Ragini, 30 years old, is a software professional who came to my clinic suffering from premenstrual syndrome. She told me that almost 7-10 days before menses her days would be full of anxiety, irritability and lethargy. She would be depressed, become overly sensitive and would feel as if her entire body is bloated. This was happening for the last 4 years and she started taking it seriously once her work as well as relationship with her family started getting affected.
Premenstrual Syndrome also called PMS is a combination of wide range of symptoms. It starts after ovulation, around two weeks before menses and abates with commencement of the menstrual flow. Symptoms of PMS include emotional, behavioural as well as physical symptoms.
Emotional and behavioural symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anger
- Crying spells
- Appetite changes (increased in some cases)
- food cravings
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor concentration
- Restlessness
Physical signs and symptoms
- Headache
- Fatigue/lethargy
- Weight gain related to fluid retention
- Bloating abdomen
- Breast tenderness
- Acne flare-ups
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Backache
- Pelvic pain
- Pruritis vaginalis
How common is PMS?
Most of the women experience some kind of disturbance or changes before the onset of menses but if it is occurring repeatedly and affecting their daily life before every cycle than the diagnosis of PMS is made. Study says that about 90% of women experience some premenstrual symptoms emotional or physical at some point of their reproductive life. It is stated that clinically significant PMS (which is moderate to severe in intensity and affects a woman’s life style ) occurs in 20-30%of women. It is seen that generally it is most severe in women in their late 20’s and early 40’s.
What causes PMS?
The exact causes of PMS are not identified and proven. There are several factors which can contribute to the condition.
Hormonal fluctuations – cyclical changes in the oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Neurotransmitters fluctuations- serotonin, a brain chemical could trigger PMS symptoms of depression, lethargy and sadness if insufficient in body.
Lifestyle changes
- Maintain a diary of your cycle and identify potential triggers.
- Avoid taking sugar rich foods, processed food, caffeine, alcohol and added salt two weeks before periods.
- Include lot of fresh fruits, salads, whole grains, green tea in your diet.
- Regular exercise, walking, yoga, meditation which suits to the daily routine.
- Supplements have been helpful in some cases vitaminB, vit C.
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid smoking
Role of homoeopathy
Reproductive system is the most vulnerable area of women which to be treated gently. Seeing today’s scenario of working women imbalance of hormones have increased manifolds which is giving rise to menstrual disturbances. Trying to keep a balance between work and household responsibilities women is under tremendous stress and this is affecting her sensitive endocrine system. Homoeopathy is the system of medicine which addresses the women’s problem in a holistic way. It treats the patient as a whole taking care of her physical, mental and emotional health. In first consultation a detailed case history of the patient is taken which includes her physical and emotional symptoms. It is a safe, gentle, non invasive and non-toxic treatment. Homoeopathic medicines help in stimulating the patient’s own natural healing energies thus re establish a healthy hormonal balance, which will regulate periods and reduce uncomfortable symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The approach towards homoeopathic treatment is individualistic so medicines differ from patient to patient. The aim of treatment is not only to treat PMS but deal with the underlying cause and individual susceptibility of the patient.
There are several medicines available which are helpful in the treatment of PMS
Such as pulsatilla, sepia, chamomilla, calcarea carb,folliculinum, bovista ,lachesis, natrum mur etc.
For individualized remedy a qualified homoeopath should be consulted.
Along with homoeopathic treatment a balanced life style, positive attitude and some simple dietary and life style measures can make a huge difference.