Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, refers to the behavioral or physical changes in women before the monthly menstrual cycle began. It generally starts from 7-14 days before their usual cycle. About more than 80% of women before their menstrual period experiences PMS.

Symptoms
More 150 symptoms are observed during PMS. Some of them are dizziness, frequent mood swings, changes in appetite, irritability, anxiety, abdominal cramps, headache, depression, nausea and vomiting, perspiration, palpitation, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, swollen face, hands and ankles, palpitation, oily skin and dry or greasy hair.

Causes
Researches are unable to identify the exact causes of PMS. They theorized that changes in the hormone levels before the start of the menstrual cycle are responsible for the onset of PMS. Another theory states the imbalance in both male and female hormones in women. PMS occurs due to an increase in the level of prolactin (the hormones responsible for producing breast milk) and male hormones can decrease the level of progesterone and delay ovulation. Other theory states that it is due to the imbalance of magnesium and calcium in the body.

Home Remedies
Hot bath: Taking hot baths will relax the muscles the relieve cramping.

Red wine: Drinking red wine while having PMS will also relieve abdominal cramps.

Lemon: Prepare any hot tea, and then add some lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of whiskey. Drink while still hot.

Chase tree: Place 10 drops of chase tree extract in a glass of water. Drink to relieve cramps.
Tea: Drinking peppermint, chamomile or yarrow tea can also relieve cramps.

Pickle: Drink 1 cup of pickle juice to get rid of cramps.

Diets
Have a diet rich in potassium such as beans, broccoli and fish.

Stabilize blood sugar levels by eating small meals several times a day.

Avoid caffeine for it increases anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Eat plenty of beans, nuts, fish, seeds, fruits and vegetables.

Avoid meat and foods that are rich fat. It aggravates PMS as it increases the estrogen levels in the body.

Reduce sodium intake to eliminate excess body fluids.

Take 1000 mg of magnesium everyday for relief of PMS symptoms.

Take vitamin E to reduce soreness in the chest area, and vitamin B6 to stimulate blood circulation and hydration.

Eat plenty of alfalfa seeds and soybean to increase estrogen levels.

Reduce consumption of salt and sugary products.

Further Suggestions
Do physical exercises regularly.

Take diuretics when the symptoms started to show up.

Avoid taking birth control pills for it can cause side effects although it can eliminate some of the symptoms.