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Protocols: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a controversial subject, since many (male) doctors maintain that it is an imaginary condition. Their opinion notwithstanding, it is obvious that many women suffer terribly before the onset of their periods with such symptoms as mood swings, depression, irritability, bloating, headaches, joint pain, and more. Some of them also are disabled by very painful cramps during their periods. It is possible to eliminate or greatly reduce the severity of PMS by following the suggestions below. In particular, research studies have found that Evening Primrose Oil (6-8 grams of GLA daily in two divided doses) can be highiy effective in reducing PMS related problems as well as "lumpy" or fibrocyctic breasts. Other options include:

Eliminate caffeine from your life, including chocolate, which some women crave intensely in the premenstrual phase.
Do regular aerobic exercise, 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils.
Take black currant oil, 500 milligrams twice a day.
Take dong quai herb, two capsules twice a day. An alternative is chaste tree herb (Vitex) in the same dosage.
For painful menstrual cramps, try raspberry-leaf tea, which you can get at a health food store. Drink as much as you like, it is nontoxic. Also try calcium/magnesium supplements, 1,000 milligrams of each as needed. A stronger herbal remedy is crampbark or viburnum (Viburnum opulus), from a European bush. Take one dropperful of the tincture in a little warm water as needed. Many women report satisfactory relief of menstrual cramps with ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Be sure to have food in your stomach when you take it. A hot water bottle on the abdomen is also helpful.
Do breathing exercises and practice other relaxation techniques.

Other psychological procedures have been found to be helpful in the management of PMS.

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