Table of Contents
Symptoms
PMS or PMS includes a number of symptoms that can present themselves seven to ten days before the onset of menstruation, continuing even for two or three days after the onset of the cycle. Most women of childbearing age experience disturbances during this period, which coincides with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In fact, at this stage endocrine changes occur leading to changes in hormone levels and hypoglycemia. During the luteal phase there are fluctuations in progesterone, estradiol, prolactin, melatonin, which lead to the onset of various psychological and somatic symptoms.
In particular, women suffering from PMS can being hungrier than usual before menstruation or in the first few days of your period, feeling tired, nervous and irritable. During PMS they can also occur mood disturbances, with agitation, anxiety and mild depression. PMS can then cause breast tension and pain, abdominal swelling and pain, and water retention. Before the period they can also appear or worsen back pain, headache and muscle aches, also due to the increase of prostaglandins in the circulation.
The intensity of PMS symptoms is highly variable as each woman responds differently to hormonal changes and, moreover, they can also change from month to month. Often these are minor complaints; when the symptoms are moderate or severe, relief can also be found thanks to natural remedies.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies to counteract the symptoms of PMS can have anti-inflammatory action useful for relieving pain, diuretic to combat water retention or they can act by regulating hormone levels or, again, improving mood. Below is a list of the most used plants and natural extracts: supplements of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, B vitamins and magnesium.
Chaste tree
Agnycasto (Vitex agnuscastus) is the ripe fruit of a small shrub also known as false pepper. This remedy contains flavonoids, iridoid glycosides and alkaloids and is used to reduce prolactin levels, reducing PMS symptoms. It is taken from the week before the date on which the cycle is expected to arrive, in the form of dry or liquid extract.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba leaves are mainly used to promote blood circulation and protect brain health, but are also used in the treatment of PMS. In particular, ginkgo can help reduce tension and the breast pain, typical symptoms of the arrival of the period.
Phytoestrogens
The phytoestrogens present in the beans of soy is in the red clover they are best known for their use in the treatment of menopausal disorders, but they are also useful for women suffering from PMS, in particular for reducing breast tension and swelling.
Evening primrose oil
The oil extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a plant known as “night beauty”, is rich in essential fatty acids of the omega-6 series, fromanti-inflammatory action. It is taken as a supplement of 2 to 4 grams per day with meals and is useful for reducing breast and muscle pain, as well as preventing the appearance of boils before the period. Other oils rich in omega 6 are oil extracted from black currant seeds and borage oil.
Lavender
Lavender is a plant rich in properties that also helps in case of PMS. Taken in herbal tea, in fact, it helps to relieve agitation and anxiety and to reduce uterine spasms, which cause pain during the first days of the cycle. The essential oil is also useful in case of back pain, abdominal and muscle pain: it is sufficient to disperse three drops in a vegetable oil (olive, sunflower or sweet almond) to massage the areas to be treated, in particular the belly.
Chamomile
Chamomile flower heads, as well as lavender flowering tops, can provide relief in case of abdominal pain given by contractions of the uterus, improve mood and reduce anxiety, agitation and irritability. They can be taken in herbal tea several times a day, leaving the flowers to infuse for about three minutes in a cup of hot water.
Dandelion
The root and leaves of the dandelion, a spontaneous plant also known as “dandelion”, “pisciacane” and “shower head”, have a diuretic action useful to counteract the swelling caused by the accumulation of liquids in the period preceding menstruation. It is taken in the form of herbal tea, even several times a day, to promote diuresis. In spring it is also possible to collect the dandelion leaves and use them in the kitchen: after having blanched them in boiling water, they can be sautéed in a pan or combined with the ingredients to prepare omelettes and savory pies.
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