The term ‘premenstrual tension’, or PMT, is used to cover a range of symptoms experienced by some women for up to two weeks before their monthly period.  As many as three out of four women suffer from the condition.

What are the symptoms of PMT?

The symptoms of PMT cause varying degrees of discomfort, but are largely harmless, and may be physical and/or psychological.

Physical Symptoms of PMT

Physical symptoms of PMT include:

• Food and alcohol cravings.
• Headaches.
• Skin problems.
• Swollen joints, particularly ankles.
• Water retention.
• Weakness.
• Weight gain.

Psychological Symptoms of PMT

Psychological symptoms of PMT include:

• Decreased sex drive.
• Depression.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• Poor concentration.
• Weepiness.

What Causes PMT?

The main cause of PMT is an alteration in the balance of female hormones during the menstrual cycle, which creates an accumulation of salt and water in the system, and a reduction in progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus to receive a fertilised egg.  Hormone imbalance can also be caused by a lack of essential fatty acids, such as Linoleic Acid in the diet.  Lack of Vitamin B6 also causes irregularity in the menstrual cycle.

How Serious is PMT?

Women suffering from PMT may not experience all the symptoms, and can suffer them in varying degrees of severity.  Some women experience psychological symptoms of PMT to such an extent that they may act like a completely different person, experiencing violent mood swings, and even demonstrating physical violence towards loved ones.  Judgment is often affected in PMT sufferers, and they may become accident-prone at this time.

Ways to Reduce PMT

• Avoid putting yourself under unnecessary stress or setting unreasonable goals.
• Eat less salt to reduce water retention.
• Reduce alcohol intake, as alcohol robs the body of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Reduce caffeine intake by cutting down on tea, coffee and cola drinks, as caffeine lowers the body’s ability to absorb certain essential nutrients, and can aggravate skin problems.
• Reduce intake of saturated fats by eating less meat and dairy produce, as these can inhibit the body’s production of essential fatty acids, which can result in a hormone imbalance.
• Reduce sugar intake to combat weight gain and depression.  Control sugar cravings by taking a Vitamin B complex with added magnesium and chromium.
• Relax by taking gentle exercise, such as yoga, and by taking warm baths.

Natural Treatment of PMT

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of PMT.  Therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach remedies, homoeopathy and massage may also help to alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT.

Vitamin B, particularly Vitamin B6, and the mineral Magnesium have been shown to be very effective in relieving some of the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT, and in regulating the menstrual cycle.  Medical practitioners frequently prescribe Vitamin B6 and a course of Evening Primrose Oil (described below) for PMT sufferers.  Because absorption of vitamins is often the problem rather than lack of them in the diet, homeopathically prepared vitamins produce consistently good results, often curing the problem completely.  Homeopathic vitamin B6 is available from my online store .  Hair analysis defines the underlying cause and indicates primary stress factors to avoid. It also identifies the best supplements to take to rectify deficiencies. 

Camomile tea, taken two or three times a day in the week or fortnight before the start of a period is calming, and acts as a diuretic, removing some of the body’s retained fluid.  Stronger herbal diuretics, such as boldo, dandelion, juniper and parsley can also be used.  Most herbal diuretics work gently on toning and strengthening the body’s kidney function, with none of the harsh effects of conventional diuretics.  Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil both contain the fatty acid Gamma Linoleic Acid, which helps to regulate hormone balance, and has been shown to relieve abdominal swelling and breast discomfort, and also to reduce irritability and depression.

The herb Wild Yam, which contains phytoprogesterone, a natural form of progesterone, and successfully used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, may be used as an alternative to the synthetic hormone, progesterone, which is often prescribed in various forms to be taken during the second half of the menstrual cycle to restore hormone levels.  Many women feel more confident taking a ‘natural’ rather than a synthetic hormone.