Why do I have PMS?

When women are asked about their period, many say it's horrible. Some women have such a bad time that they occasionally have to stay in bed for days before their period. But women rarely think that this is a problem they should seek treatment for, they assume that there is nothing that can be done to make their symptoms go away. "I've just learned to live with it", they often say.

When I tell them that they should start their period and not even know it (that is: no pain, no irritability, no bloating...) they often laugh. As women become healthier and support themselves with herbs and nutrients, their PMS symptoms subside.

But before we can see how that happens, let's take a look at what PMS is.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome is a collection of symptoms that typically occur right before a women's period. For some women, it starts a week or more before, but for many, PMS starts a few days before their period.

PMS symptoms range from mood changes including irritability, nervousness, feeling of lack of control, agitation, anger, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, lethargy severe fatigue and depression. PMS symptoms also include fluid retention, weight gain, breast fullness and pain, headaches, vertigo, numbness, heart palpitations, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, backache, worsening of acne, and many more.

I often see migraines and other chronic conditions get worse right before a women's period. Women often crave certain foods right before their period, most notably, chocolate. Chocolate is high in magnesium and has mood altering effects, both of which help to explain its popularity among the PMS crowd.

Is this the pain you have to live with?

No, there is much that you can do.

• DIET: Worsening of PMS symptoms is often related to an increase in sugar, alcohol and caffeinated beverages, including coffee. Increasing fiber (which increases the removal of estrogens from your body) has also been shown to decrease PMS. Increasing vegetables is aother great way to increase fiber. Soy has been found to have a moderating effect on PMS. And while diets that avoid all of the above are difficult, many who suffer from the less extreme forms of PMS find relief from these simple measures.

• NUTRITION: Many nutrients have been shown to be low in women who have the most severe types of PMS. The most important of these being Vitamin B6 and Magnesium. Also: Calcium, Zinc, vitamin E have been found to be effective. Essential fatty acids in the form of both fish oils (EPA/DHA) and evening primrose oils are often helpful. A good multivitamin covers many of the basic requirements, but supplementing with additional B vitamins and Magnesium/Calcium is probably necessary in most women with PMS.

• HERBS: Many herbs are helpful for women suffering from PMS, but their use is best decided on an individual basis. Herbs that have been traditionally used and have been helpful in PMS are; Vitex, Dong quai, Licorice root, Shepard's purse, Motherwort and Black cohosh. These  are the most common herbs to be used to ease PMS symptoms. Additionally, herbs that help the liver often help PMS; these include Dandelion, Burdock, Rosemary and many more.

PMS is not the pain that you have to live with. Many women are surprised when their symptoms go away with simply dietary changes. The pains that they have been having since their teenage years disappear and they enjoy the freedom from pain that they deserve.