I will increase your labour and your groaning, and in labour you shall bear children.
—Genesis 3:16

Unfortunately for many women, the pains of labour come every month. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a collection of symptoms suffered by scores of women the world over. Water retention and bloating, tender breasts, moodiness, insomnia, abdominal pains and headaches are among the unpleasant symptoms many women experience, starting a week or two before menstruation actually begins. Although the allopathic medical profession has long held that PMS is a "psychosomatic" problem, studies have confirmed what holistic therapists have known all along: PMS has genuine physical causes that respond well to natural therapies.

Natural therapists have long thought that the root of premenstrual syndrome is biochemical, resulting ultimately in hormonal imbalance. Today it is axiomatic that PMS is a condition of excess estrogen with a corresponding deficiency of progesterone.

Poor nutrition with resulting deficiencies of several key nutrients affect factors which control inflammation, fluid balance and even mood. Although the causes of PMS are numerous and not completely understood, it is still possible to give some natural approaches that can benefit all women.General dietary guidelines include the complete elimination of all "junk" food, as well as all stimulants (coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate and refined sugar). The diet should contain adequate animal protein, plenty of healthy animal fats, complex carbohydrates and a variety of fresh vegetables. Fresh fruits may be included unless a yeast infection is present. All commercial vegetable oils, both liquid and partially hydrogenated, should be excluded as these interfere with key prostaglandins and the regulation of hormone production. Foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, the B complex (especially B6 and pantothenic acid), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and certain long-chain fatty acids should be stressed as all of these nutrients seem to be key in easing the symptoms of PMS.

In addition to foods rich in these nutrients, food supplements supply additional nutrients that may be impossible to obtain with food alone. The following are recommendations only. For a truly personalized supplement program, one should see a properly trained health professional familiar with vitamin/mineral therapy:

*Note: Vitamin B₆ should only be taken along with a B complex supplement.

In studies, vitamin A has proven beneficial in reducing some PMS symptoms. Be sure to use a natural source of this nutrient, such as cod liver oil, as synthetic versions can be toxic. Vitamin B6 is a natural diuretic and thus helps with PMS-related bloating. B6 also aids in reducing estrogen to normal levels. Pantothenic acid is always desirable for treating stress. Vitamin E is good for sore breasts and for regulating hormonal levels. This vitamin is also good for irritability and depression. Calcium and magnesium are pivotal in reducing stress, as well as encouraging proper muscle function. Painful cramping and nervous tension are almost always lessened or eradicated with calcium and magnesium supplementation. Long-chain fatty acids prompt the release of anti-inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins. A particular fatty acid, gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, has been shown to be of special value in resolving PMS and other ailments. It is found in evening primrose oil, borage oil or black currant oil.

FOODS RICH IN KEY NUTRIENTS FOR PMS

HERBAL HELPS

The following herbs may be taken in capsule, tincture or tea form. If using packaged capsules or extracts, follow the directions on the product's label. For teas, steep 1-2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of very hot water, covered, for 10 minutes.

If bloating and sore breasts predominate, chamomile and dandelion are both effective diuretics. Diuretic foods include celery, watermelon, asparagus and parsley. To stabilize depression and mood swings, chamomile, lavender, and peppermint are excellent. These herbs, along with red raspberry and kava kava, are good antispasmodics as well, making them excellent for cramps.

If headaches occur, these herbs are also indicated: fennel, sarsaparilla, squaw vine, licorice and wild yam, which are all hormonal balancers. They may help in relieving hormone-caused symptoms but should not be overused.

HOMEOPATHICS TO CONSIDER

Pulsatilla is probably the most famous of all PMS remedies. It is indicated for mood swings marked by weepiness. Mag. Phos. should be used for cramping and nervous tension. The cell salt Kali. Phos. is also indicated for frazzled nerves. If there is intense pain marked by anger, homeopathic Chamomilla is the remedy of choice. If the pains become worse after getting angry, this remedy works best. Homeopathic Belladonna is indicated if there are cramping pains made worse by motion. The pains may extend from the uterus to the back accompanied by frequent headaches. Lachesis is the best pick for PMS symptoms that improve dramatically or completely disappear once the menstrual flow starts. With this condition, the pains may extend into the upper abdomen and chest.

For all of these remedies, the 6C-30C potencies should work best. Take them twice a day, or as needed. When using all homeopathics, avoid caffeine, menthol and camphor as these substances act as antidotes to the remedies.

EXERCISE

Daily exercise, even 15-20 minutes of brisk walking, increases oxygen consumption. This helps to improve health, as well as to remove toxins from the body. Exercise also helps to keep hormone levels stable.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

As we know, PMS can have many different causes. Women who suffer from PMS should investigate the possibility that other conditions, such as endometriosis, candidiasis, food allergies, and heavy metal poisoning may be contributing factors. Candidiasis should be suspected if strong sugar cravings are present. See your natural health care provider for more help with these other causes.

MIASM

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, believed that certain diseases "tainted" the blood line and were often the cause of chronic health problems in the descendants of those who originally had the disease. Hahnemann taught that tuberculosis, gonorrhea and syphilis could cause miasm in whole families. For women with chronic pelvic, reproductive, or menstrual problems of any type, it would behoove them to investigate further the possibility that one of their ancestors (male or female) may have had syphilis or gonorrhea. If so, consult a homeopathic physician or practitioner. Usually, the miasm can be removed by administering low potency preparations of either Syphillinum or Medorrhinum for a short time. It should be noted here that miasm can occur from other causes such as chronic drug use (including birth control pills) and other diseases. An accurate medical history is essential when miasm is suspected so that the practitioner can ascertain the probable remedy.

This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly magazine of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Winter 2000.

About the Author

Stephen Byrnes, BA, MA, DR(AM), was a nutritionist and naturopath who grew up in New York and attended Hunter College in New York City where he received his BA in Comparative Religion. After moving to Los Angeles, he completed his MA in Humanities at California State University at Dominguez Hills. He then received his Diploma in Homeobotanical Therapy from the Australasian College, USA, a state-licensed college in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and his Doctorate of Alternative Medicines from the Alternative Medicines Research Institute (AMRI), a licensed and registered educational institution in Gibraltar, European Union, affiliated with the Open International University of Complementary Medicines, Colombo, Sri Lanka. He later received his Graduate Diploma in Naturopathy from the Canadian Alternative Medicines Research Institute (CAMRI), Vancouver, British Columbia. CAMRI is licensed and registered with the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia.

Dr. Byrnes had over 100 articles and papers published in health magazines and professional journals around the world. He was an honorary board member of the Weston A. Price Foundation and an editorial board member of the Australian holistic magazine WellBeing. He also authored four books: Digestion Made Simple (Whitman Books; 2002); Diet & Heart Disease: It’s NOT What You Think (Whitman Books; 2001); Overcoming AIDS with Natural Medicine (Healing Light Ministries; 2001); and The Lazy Person's Whole Foods Cookbook (Healing Light Ministries; 2001).

Comments (3)

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written by Rosie Crowe, Feb 04 2010

Yes, definitely DO NOT put her on birthcontrol; that will only increase her apparent estrogen overload. Menstrual problems are often the first sign of hormone imbalances. I have been doing research in this arena for a few years now and know just how terrible PMS can be! I also vomited (I also got migranes in my later stages). This is most definitely a hormone imbalance, specifically estrogen dominance & could also include a level of adrenal fatigue, which usually brings down progesterone levels. The first thing to do is get your daughter off of ALL estrogen products, such as personal care products (face wash, hair care, makeup, perfumes, etc.) that are not 100% natural and paraben-free (synthetic chemicals are the main cause of estrogen dominance). There are some great lines out there (including lovely makeup) that are not full of toxins. Free free to email me for specifics brands, but I will mention Aubrey Organics as a great line of skin care, makeup and hair care. And it's very affordable; you can find it in most health food stores and I think you can order online, too. Make sure you also avoid all detergents w/ chemicals; best thing is to order a "green" laundry ball. I use True Green brand -- works awesome(even on the stinkiest clothes) and is cheaper per year than even the junky store detergents. Don't forget this component b/c so many estrogens are absorbed via the skin and laundry detergents are some of the worst culprits. The 2nd thing I'd recommend is to run a saliva hormone test (this is an at-home test that you order yourself & results w/ explanation will be sent to your home). Canary Club has the best deals on ZRT saliva hormone tests, which are the best way to check your daughter's exact hormone status ($99 kit includes all the major hormones and would be perfect for her). The reason I so highly recommend doing the saliva tests is that, unless you do that, it's really all just guess work -and you don't want to do that when symptoms are so pronounced. Plus, you could end up spending money on "remedies" that are not getting to the root cause of the symptoms. Thankfully, these imbalances can be remedied quite quickly with eliminating synthetic estrogens & using (if needed) products like natural progesterone (use Apex's brand, spray form of natural progesterone if she comes out low NOT creams/gels b/c these can get passed onto others she's in daily contact w/ via touch -- been there done that and believe me you don't want that happening -- too much of a hormone is as bad a too little (my young boys became progesterone dominant due to my contact w/ them when I used the creams)! Make sure you check up on her status every few months by ordering another saliva test (until she's balanced and then check maybe 1-2 times per year). You'll know if she gets too high on progesterone if her daily temp gets consistently above 98.6, and you'll know if she gets too low if her original symptoms return (again,assuming this is what she needs, along w/ eliminating synthetic estrogens). Please believe me when I say these saliva hormone tests are money well spent and will help guide you in the right direction to restore her health & protect your daughter from many further health issues caused by esrogen dominance, including fertility problems & breast cancer. Feel free to email w/ any questions; I'm so passionate about this b/c I got so bad that I was basically bedridden for over 3 years. Hormones are your friends -- just got to treat them right :).

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No to Birth Control pills for young girls who have PMS
written by Cathy Margolin, Jan 25 2010

Tabatha, I'm happy to hear you don't want to put your daughter on birth control at 13 for PMS problems. As an Primary Health Provider, Acupuncturist and mother of 2 teen girls I strongly encourage you to try some natural alternatives. I have just brought to market a Chinese herb formula for cramps, bloating, irritability .. all menstrual symptoms which is made from all natural herbs, nothing else.(Girls are loving it.) I don't mean to plug my product but please follow your instinct, birth control pills are not the answer for our young daughters. My product and others on the market will help her. Make sure she's getting enough exercise and limit her sugar intake. Menstrual cycle pain is not normal and should be viewed in the bigger picture.. gentle balancing of hormones through diet, exercise and supplements. Best of luck, if you wish to contact me I'm at http://wwww.pacherbs.com also.

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written by Tabatha Burks, Jan 20 2010

I am a concerned mother of a 13 yr old that is in having severe pms problems which includes vomiting,,the docter wants to put her on birth control to elevate her hormone level,,but i dont want to do that because it increases her chances of cancer and future problems.

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