Supplements for PMS

Jane’s life was a cycle of mood swings and tears before she would get her period. She was one of the few women that would actually cry in relief when her period starts because then the end was in sight. Her family was walking on eggshells around her and unable to adapt to the two totally different women they see in Jane.

Jane belongs to the 80% of women who experience premenstrual symptoms. The exact cause of PMS is unknown but is believed to be related to interactions between sex hormones and brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). 

Jane went to see her doctor who advised her to make lifestyle adjustments, take some medications only when needed and take some supplements.

Here's what's known about the effectiveness of some of the more common complementary products and remedies used to soothe the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome:

• Calcium. Consuming 1,200 milligrams (mg) of dietary and supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Regular, long-term use of calcium carbonate also reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
• Magnesium. Taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.
• Vitamin B-6. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 may help some women with troublesome PMS symptoms.
• Vitamin E. This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.
• Herbal remedies. Some women report relief of PMS symptoms with the use of herbs such as black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion, chaste berry and evening primrose oil. However, few scientific studies prove the effectiveness of herbs thought to help reduce the effects of PMS. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbs. That means their safety and effectiveness is not proved. You have no assurance that the product you buy contains the active ingredients on the label or that it isn't contaminated with other potentially harmful substances.
• Natural progesterone creams. These are derived from wild yams and soybeans. Some women report that these creams relieve symptoms. No scientific studies prove their effectiveness.

Jane followed her doctors’ advice and she says the difference is amazing. Jane still has mood swings, but now can control them. They no longer control her! Each month is different, but following the self help on PMS, she is able to have a life again, all month long, not just two weeks of the month!