What Is PMS [premenstrual syndrome] and what causes it?
PMS consists of various physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about mid-cycle and are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation.
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones involved in a woman’s menstrual cycle. The cycle typically rotates every 28 days. Hormone levels are supposed to fluctuate during the cycle, but not to an extreme degree. Estrogen gradually rises during the first half the cycle, which are days 1-14. This is referred to as the pre-ovulation phase. The estrogen level then suddenly falls at ovulation, which is when the ovaries produce eggs. Both estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ovaries, which are responsible for producing the eggs. After ovulation, the progesterone levels gradually increase during days 15-28. This is referred to as the post-ovulation phase. Progesterone levels continue to increase until menstruation occurs.
The primary function of both estrogen and progesterone is to thicken the lining of the uterus (endometrium). However, estrogen and progesterone also affect other parts of the body, including the brain and nervous system. In the brain, estrogen can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, which include “feel-good” chemicals known as endorphins, enkephalins and serotonin. Serotonin has a direct effect on emotions and appetite. When the estrogen level declines during the post-ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain also decline. This decline is what causes the PMS emotional symptoms of mood swings, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, depression and changes in the sex drive. The physical symptoms include bloating, headaches, food cravings, abdominal cramps, headaches, tension, and breast tenderness. Any or all symptoms may range from mild to severe. When PMS emotional and behavioral symptoms are very intense, the condition is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These symptoms may include rage, violence, sudden bursts of anger, panic attacks, suicide thoughts and severe depression.
Herbs that are well-noted for promoting female hormone balance
One of these herbs is Black Cohosh, which is known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. Black Cohosh has traditionally been used as a popular Native American and folk remedy for female ailments. Black cohosh contains natural phytoestrogens [plant estrogens] and is well-noted for its antispasmodic properties and its ability to increase blood flow to the uterus; thereby reducing particularly painful cramps. It is also used to stabilize female hormone levels, which addresses the following premenstrual syndrome [PMS] symptoms:
Painful Menstrual Cramps
Irregular Periods
Low Sex Drive [Low Libido]
Headaches
Dizziness
Depression
Female Anxiety
Nervousness.
Mood Changes
Muscle Pains
Black Cohosh is also a popular natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is used for many symptoms that frequently accompany perimenopause and menopause, including:
Hot Flashes
Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Atrophy [Loose Vaginal Muscles]
Another potent herb used for female hormone balance is Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinesis. Dong Quai is well-noted for its reputation as a female tonic. It has both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It has the ability to increase blood flow to the uterus; thereby reducing particularly painful cramps. Coumarins are the active ingredients in dong quai, which dilate blood vessels and stimulate the central nervous system. When blood vessels are dilated, this causes an increase in blood flow throughout the body. Coumarins also relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, which would help to explain the herb's traditional use for menstrual cramps. It is not likely that Dong Quai has any direct estrogenic effects because it contains only 1/400th the estrogen that the prescription drug Premarin does, for example, and it may actually lessen the effect of a woman's own estrogen. However, Dong Quai does contain estrogenic substances that may exert some regulating effect on estrogen levels and on estrogenic biological mechanisms. These estrogenic substances stimulate the liver to process and excrete any excess estrogen and get female hormones back into balance again. They seem to enhance estrogenic effects when estrogen levels are too low, and compete when levels are too high. This property substantiates how Dong Quai has become known as a menstrual tonic. Since PMS is thought to be partially caused by an estrogen excess, reducing the estrogen effect is very much an asset for female hormone regulation. Dong Quai is used to promote uterine health by nourishing female organs and to stabilize female hormone levels, which addresses the following premenstrual syndrome [PMS] symptoms:
Menstrual Cramps
Irregular Menstrual Periods
Amenorrhea (Missed Periods)
Menorrrhagia (Heavy Bleeding Or Prolonged Periods)
Endometriosis Pain
Inflammation
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Mood Swings
Headache
Dong Quai is also used to fight certain microorganisms, including the Candida albicans fungus, which is the primary causative agent in vaginal yeast infections, as well as genital herpes outbreaks.
Dong quai is also used for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Another very important herb used for female hormone balance is Vitex, also know as Chasteberry, Chaste Tree and Vitex agnus-castus. PMS consists of various physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about mid-cycle and are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation. Vitex is probably the most important herb in relation to helping PMS. It works on the pituitary gland and has a balancing effect on the hormones especially in the second half of the cycle which is why it is such an important herb for PMS symptoms. It has historically been used to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle by assisting with restoring a normal estrogen-to-progesterone balance. With prolonged usage, it is possible that it can totally reverse the premenstrual syndrome, which has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, especially if symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. It is specifically used to assist the body to secrete progesterone. Low progesterone levels during childbearing years produce the following PMS symptoms:
Fibroid Tumors
Ovarian Cysts
Frequent Periods
Heavy Bleeding During Periods
Lack Of Ovulation
Missed Periods
Headaches
Acne
Breast Tenderness
Backache
Bloating
Fatigue
Cravings For Sweets
Feelings Of Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Mood Swings
Tearfulness
Libido Imbalance [Sex Drive Too High Or Too Low]
Difficulty Concentrating
Difficulty Handling Stress
Vitex is also used for menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Another potent herb used for female hormone balance is Wild Yam, also know as Dioscorea. It is used in labs to convert into the ovarian hormone progesterone. However, in its natural state without conversion, it contains the natural plant hormone diosgenin which is similar in structure to progesterone as well as to the adrenal hormone DHEA. The plant hormone diosgenin nourishes female organs and has a balancing effect upon the body’s hormones similar to the effects of DHEA and progesterone. Wild yam can help to overcome the negative effects of declining levels of DHEA and progesterone that usually begin to occur at around age 25-30. Natural plant hormones such as diosgenin are safer to take long term than are synthetic or animal forms of hormones. Its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are useful for reducing intense menstrual cramps. Wild yam is used for the following PMS symptoms:
None of the herbs included in this hormone balance formula force high levels of progesterone. Instead, they assist the body's own mechanisms to balance all related hormones. Most importantly, these herbs are safe and have no adverse side effects when properly used. They have been used by women in different parts of the world for centuries.
Ingredients:
Black Cohosh
Dong Quai
Wild Yam
Chaste Tree
Blue Cohosh
Raspberry
Alfalfa
Eleuthro
Red Clover
European Peony Root
Calendula
Asian Ginseng
Dosage: Take 4 capsules daily [Do not use in pregnancy]
This herbal formula is used to increase the production of progesterone in balance with estrogen levels established in the first half of the menstrual cycle. It can be taken specifically for PMS symptoms -- water retention, swollen and tender breasts, lower backache, cramping, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, depression, difficulty in concentrating, panic attacks, anxiety, mood swings, crying, physical and emotional tension, low blood sugar, low sex drive, headaches and migraines. See the following symptoms for a more comprehensive list:
