Many women suffer from the Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS each month before their period. It is also called Premenstrual Tension (PMT) or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Tension can be mild with irritability and weepiness, or severe with angry or violent outbursts, or an extremely depressed mood where the sufferer may feel suicidal. Often women suffering from PMS will be diagnosed with depression or anxiety states. Symptoms can also include abdominal bloating and tender or lumpy breasts. PMS may last a day or weeks.
PMS is caused by an imbalance of hormones, which is often triggered by poor diet and lifestyle. Naturopathic treatment with herbal medicine, diet, nutritional and lifestyle changes helps you naturally alleviate PMS.
Modern research is emerging which shows how herbal medicines have been used traditionally for centuries, to help with PMS symptoms. One of the traditionally used herbs of interest to researchers is Vitex Agnus Castus, commonly called Chaste Tree. In one study nearly 200 women were helped by Chaste Tree. Their symptoms of irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, and breast fullness all improved over the 3 months of the study. Researches described how Chaste Tree not only has an effect on the hormones, but also works on chemicals in the brain to relieve anxiety and depression.
Another study found that compared to antidepressant drug fluoxetine, Chaste Tree gave about the same relief from mental and emotional symptoms, but Chaste Tree was more effective for the physical complaints of PMS.
Many herbs are used traditionally to relieve PMS, in particular Motherwort, Rosemary and St Johns Wort. Your individually prepared herbal medicine will contain herbs to help other complaints as well as your PMS.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more or to book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths; if needed they will also prepare tailored herbal medicines and recommend supplements to help you feel your best. Call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
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