- Description
Introduction
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS for short, can be a debilitating time for many women.
The phenomenon of PMS can often be bewildering for the woman suffering from it as well as their family members. It is thought to be caused largely by an imbalance of hormone levels, yet why does this affect some more than others?
For an undetermined, but estimated, number of females aged from early teens to menopause, up to one-third of their life is impacted by the blessing of having the opportunity to bring new life into the world.
Beyond the mechanics of dealing with menstruation itself are the associated physically painful and emotionally distressing symptoms.
Expert research reveals that there are more than 150 symptoms that have been identified by experts as common to women associated with the menstrual cycle. Some relate to menstruation itself, others to PMS – premenstrual syndrome.
Some of these symptoms can be so severe they have been given a differentiating classification, called PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
This eBook mostly discusses symptoms and dealing with them. It gives insight into causes and types of symptoms and their varying severity.
It also discusses natural therapies, remedies and supplements that have proven helpful to others who have looked for solutions beyond reaching for another round of analgesics.
Table Of Contents
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome ……………………………………………………………………….. 2
Disclaimer …………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Causes of PMS and Menstrual Symptoms ……………………………………………….. 7
Hormonal Fluctuations ………………………………………………………………………… 8
Changes in Brain Chemicals ………………………………………………………………….. 8
PMS Symptoms ………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Statistics on Severity and Duration of Symptoms …………………………………… 11
Physical Symptoms ……………………………………………………………………………… 11
Behavioral/ Psychological Symptoms ……………………………………………………. 12
Who Are More At Risk of Experiencing PMS Symptoms? ……………………….. 12
How Is PMS Diagnosed? ……………………………………………………………………… 13
Managing PMS Symptoms …………………………………………………………………… 13
PMS Symptoms and Hot Flashes ………………………………………………………….. 14
How Do You Know If You Are Having Hot Flashes? ……………………………….. 15
When Hormonal Imbalance Causes Problems ……………………………………….. 15
Coping with Hot Flashes………………………………………………………………………. 16
Diaphragmatic Breathing – Helps Both Your PMS Symptoms and Hot Flashes.. 16
PMS, Menstruation and Anxiety …………………………………………………………… 17
Changes In Brain Chemicals …………………………………………………………………. 18
Anxiety Can Increase During Menstrual Cycle ………………………………………… 18
Possible Causes of Anxiety Before and During Menstruation ……………………. 18
1. Changes in Estrogen and Progesterone Levels …………………………………….. 18
2. Increase in Cortisol Levels ………………………………………………………………… 19
3. Fear of PMS Symptoms ……………………………………………………………………. 19
Menstrual Cycle – Vaginal Discharge Signs ……………………………………………. 20
Characteristics of Vaginal Discharge …………………………………………………….. 21
Four Types of Vaginal Discharge ………………………………………………………….. 21
Type 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
Type 2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
Type 3 ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
Type 4 ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
PMDD – Severe PMS ………………………………………………………………………….. 23
What Are The Symptoms of PMDD? …………………………………………………….. 24
The Link between PMDD and Cellular Disorder …………………………………….. 24
Treatment is Available …………………………………………………………………………. 25
Menstrual Cycle Supplements……………………………………………………………….. 26
Benefits of Using Natural Supplements …………………………………………………. 27
Types of Supplements …………………………………………………………………………. 28
Calcium ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 31
Magnesium …………………………………………………………………………………………. 31
Vitamin E …………………………………………………………………………………………… 32
Other Foods To Add To Your Diet …………………………………………………………. 33
Natural Therapies for PMS and PMDD ………………………………………………….. 34
Acupuncture ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 35
Homeopathy – Homeopathic Medicines ………………………………………………… 36
CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ………………………………………………………. 36
Herbal Remedies for PMS and PMDD ……………………………………………………. 38
Milk Thistle …………………………………………………………………………………………. 39
Chasteberry Fruit Extract ……………………………………………………………………… 39
Chamomile Tea ……………………………………………………………………………………. 40
Reishi Mushroom …………………………………………………………………………………. 40
Dong Quai …………………………………………………………………………………………… 40
Black Cohosh……………………………………………………………………………………….. 41
St John’s Wort ……………………………………………………………………………………… 41
Agnus Castus ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 41
Parsley or Dandelion Tea ………………………………………………………………………. 41
Crampbark ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 41
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………… 43