This is not something you have to accept! There are things you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Watch what you eat. Eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats, along with too much caffeine and alcohol can trigger premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in many women. PMS is controlled by the hormone estrogen - too much or too little causes moods to fluctuate, depression, anxiety, food cravings and bloating about a week before a period begins.
To help keep estrogen levels balanced, avoid cravings for sweet and salty foods since they will magnify PMS symptoms, notes Sam Graci, nutritional researcher and author of the new book - The Food Connection: The Right Food at the Right Time. Stay away from dairy products and meats that are high in saturated fats, as well as caffeinated beverages, which raise the blood levels of estrogen and cause headaches, irritability and anxiety.
To help reduce symptoms of PMS and balance estrogen levels, eat at least two to three servings of colourful fruit and a large leafy green salad, along with whole grains such as oatmeal or seven-grain cereal. These foods are high in fibre, which helps keep estrogen levels balanced. In addition, start each day with a nutritional supplement such as greens+™, a balanced formula of 23 vitamins, minerals, organic and nutrient-rich foods. One serving of greens+ is the equivalent of six organic salads. The nutritional supplement also packs plenty of natural soy ingredients, which contain phytoestrogens to keep estrogen levels balanced.
In addition to fibre and soy, eat plenty of "good" fats - Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). Fish such as salmon or tuna are the best source of these EFAs, which are said to help reduce headaches, irritability and anxiety.
Exercise lifts the mood. It reduces stress, tension and anxiety. By adding in a 30 minute brisk walk or other activity several times a week, you are ahead of the game! Stretching also helps the muscles relax. Try to stretch each day in the am and pm.
Take a good natural supplement specifically designed to reduce PMS symptoms.
My symptoms would seem severe to me. I would get headaches so bad that I would lay in bed all day trying to sleep but when I awoke the headache was still there. This would last several days.
My husband and boys would always know what time of the month it was by my drastic mood swings. Since I was also diagnosed with depression I started taking natural anti-depressants and that is when I noticed most of my symptoms started to subside.I also tried exercising a few times a week, which along with the supplements, and that seemed to help as well.
So if you're already suffering from depression, a natural anti-depressant, like the ones I use listed on my depression page, just might kill two birds with one stone.
If you just suffer from premenstrual syndrome try the natural supplements as well as a natural hormone cream.
Remember not only can you decrease these symptoms and feel better, but your family will very much appreciate the effort.
Some of the symptoms are:
