As your hormones rise and fall during your menstrual cycle, you may experience a variety of emotional and physical symptoms approximately one to two weeks before your menstrual cycle. This group of symptoms including mood swings, bloating, anxiety, breast tenderness, depression, abdominal pain, change in appetite, and fatigue are called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. If you are suffering from PMS, there are several lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and natural remedies that can help relieve or eliminate your PMS symptoms.
PMS Symptoms
The symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman. The symptoms can begin approximately two weeks before your period begins and last for up to four days once you start your period. Some of the most common PMS symptoms women experience include:
- Anxiety
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Natural Remedies for PMS
The traditional treatment for PMS is to use a combination of antidepressants and oral contraceptives. Unfortunately, these can cause some unpleasant side effects. There are several natural remedies and supplements that can provide you relief without the unpleasant side effects.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that helps reduce and relieve many of the symptoms of PMS naturally. Acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation, improves circulation throughout the body, relieves anxiety and stress, and regulates your cycle. Acupuncture for PMS has been shown to relieve menstrual cramps better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.). Acupuncture has also been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles and prevent heavy and prolonger bleeding.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling a variety of essential oils to help improve your emotional and physical health. Aromatherapy can help reduce your stress levels, relieve menstrual pain, and improve your sleep naturally. Some of the best essential oils to relieve your PMS symptoms include the following:
- Chamomile – Chamomile has been used for centuries to help relax you and promote sleep.
- Clary Sage – This potent herb can help relieve stress and ease menstrual cramps.
- Lavender – Lavender has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Rose – The calming scent of rose can help relieve PMS symptoms and reduce the stress associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Calcium
Many women who do not take in the recommended daily amount of calcium often experience PMS symptoms. Calcium supplementation can help to relieve fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and mood swings caused by PMS. For best results, consume at least four servings of calcium rich foods like milk, fortified orange juice, yogurt, spinach, dairy products, or green leafy vegetables each day.
Chaste Berry
Chaste berry is used to help improve the reproductive system in women. In fact, one review of multiple scientific studies on the effectiveness of chaste berry for PMS reported that chaste berry effectively relieved many of the symptoms of PMS, including both physical and psychological symptoms (breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, and headaches). Before taking chaste berry, it is advisable to consult with your integrative women’s health specialist as chaste berry may interact with certain contraceptives and other medications.
Diet
A change in your diet can help relieve PMS symptoms. Foods high in salt can contribute to the bloating often experienced during PMS. Refined carbs and sugary foods can cause significant blood sugar fluctuations, which can worsen mood swings and fatigue levels. Finally, high fat foods and red meats can increase the severity of abdominal cramping and back pain. To help combat PMS symptoms, eat small meals frequently, opt for complex carbs, and choose healthy vegetables and fruits. Finally, avoid eating sweet or salty snacks, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid consuming too much caffeine to reduce the risk of PMS symptoms.
Exercise
When you are bloated, depressed, in pain, and suffering from the many other symptoms of PMS, the last thing on your mind is exercise; however, regular exercise can help improve the symptoms of PMS naturally. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to help boost your mood, improve your sleep, and enhance your energy levels. Regular exercise increases the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which helps relieve many of the symptoms of PMS.
Ginkgo Biloba
Many people know that Ginkgo biloba can help improve memory; however, this herb can also relieve many PMS symptoms. Ginkgo biloba can help reduce inflammation in the body, soothe achy muscles, regulate the mood, reduce bloating, prevent weight gain, ease anxiety, and boost circulation. It may also help relieve brain fog and fatigue caused by PMS.
Magnesium
Women who have low levels of magnesium are at an increased risk of suffering from PMS. Magnesium rich foods include peanuts, almonds, and green leafy vegetables. Magnesium has been shown to ease a plethora of unpleasant PMS symptoms, including headache, water retention, anxiety, depression, breast tenderness, and insomnia.
Massage
Massage is a hands-on approach that relieves PMS symptoms. Massage helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol to improve the mood, release natural endorphins to reduce cramping, and relax your body to counteract the effects of PMS on the body. Furthermore, massage therapy can reduce bloating and water retention by its ability to increase circulation. It can also help regulate your mood and improve skin health, which can help reduce acne outbreaks and other skin issues.
Sleep
If you are not getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, a lack of sleep could be causing many of your symptoms. Insomnia can increase the risk of fatigue, irritability, depression, and anxiety. Practicing good sleep hygiene that includes going to bed at the same time, avoiding naps, turning all electronics off a couple of hours before bedtime, dropping your bedroom temperature a few degrees, and participating in relaxing activities like reading before bedtime can help you get a full night’s sleep and minimize the symptoms of PMS.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a powerful herb that can affect norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. When St. John’s wort is taken for PMS, it can relieve your mood swings, including depression and anxiety. In addition to this, St. John’s wort can help relieve the pain associated with PMS thanks to its ability to reduce the number of proinflammatory cytokines in the body.
Stress Management
When you are experiencing the symptoms of PMS, your stress levels can increase significantly. Stress management is designed to promote relaxation and reduce your stress naturally. Some of the most common stress management tools are meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, prayer, and yoga. These stress management techniques are designed to help you relax, embrace your emotions, and reduce the symptoms of PMS.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is used in the production of the body’s neurotransmitters. This potent vitamin can be found in organ meats, starchy veggies like potatoes, chickpeas, and fish like tuna and salmon. Vitamin B6 may help relieve many of the psychological symptoms experienced during PMS, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and moodiness. Vitamin B-6 cannot be stored by the body; therefore, ensure you are getting enough of this PMS relieving vitamin from your diet.
Vitamin D
The body uses vitamin D to help improve calcium absorption and regulate calcium metabolism from calcium rich foods. Although vitamin D in and of itself does not help reduce the risk of PMS symptoms, it helps relieve specific menstrual symptoms, including breast tenderness, constipation, depression, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Holistic Treatment for PMS
Premenstrual syndrome occurs up to two weeks before your period and can last several days into your period. The symptoms of PMS can negatively impact your life and result in physiological and psychological symptoms, including bloating, menstrual cramping, mood swings, fatigue, and skin problems. In addition to this, many women notice appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and breast tenderness before their period.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of PMS, our team of integrative women’s health specialists can help. We utilize a holistic approach to help relieve the symptoms of PMS.
