P.M.S. or P.M.T.

a naturopathic prescription for the signs and symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (or Tension)

• Naturopaths classify different forms of PMS or PMT as a hormonal imbalance as follows:
  PMT-A: Anxiety, tension, mood swings, irritability (estrogen excess, progesterone deficiency)
  PMT-C: Cravings for sugar, food; dizziness, palpitations, headaches, fatigue (prostaglandin E1 deficiency)
  PMT-D: Depression, insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness (low estrogen)
  PMT-H: Hyperhydration - breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating, weight gain (excess aldosterone)
  PMT-P: Pain - a reduced pain threshold, and painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) (prostaglandin imbalance).
• The first thing you need to do is to see your doctor about your thyroid not working properly and/or about clinical depression.
• In any event, follow these dietary recommendations: no more coffee, no more added sugar or sugary foods, increase soy foods, reduce salt, reduce fat intake, move more towards vegetarianism.
• Learn about environmental estrogens in foods. Toxins and pesticides can get deposited into your fat cells, and mimic estrogen.
• Do you think you are handling your stress properly? Probably not! Work out better methods of doing so.
• If you suffer from bloating, there is a diuretic effect of nibbling parsley in the days prior to menstruation. You may also trial avoiding wheat, using instead rice or millet products.
• Moderate exercise is important. At least four days a week of 45 minutes.
• Select a supplement from the following recommendations for your country (clicking the hyperlink refers you to a suitable supplier). Look for products with the following ingredients: Vitamin B6, magnesium, antioxidants (vitamins A,C,E zinc), flavanoids, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, Dong quai, Licorice root (care with high blood pressure!), Black cohosh, Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberries).

If the symptoms of P.M.S. persist, you need to make an appointment to consult a professional health practitioner.

A naturopath considers WHY a person has P.M.S. and then treats accordingly.

David Wilson, Naturopath

See also Menopause

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