THE CYCLES OF LIFE (PMT)

Dear Breda, My 15 year old daughter misses school a lot with terrible menstrual cramps and PMT.  She takes a lot of Ponston but it is not very effective.  Can you suggest any natural alternatives?  Sandra.

Dear Sandra,

What a misfortune for your daughter.  Just like the various flows and rhythms of nature, the menstrual cycle is part of the process of life.  The rise and fall of the sun and the ebb and flow of the tides are mirrored in our bodies, our waking and sleeping cycles, the seasons and the rhythmic flow of our blood.  

As many as 50% of women experience various physical symptoms prior to or during menstruation.  Symptoms include cramps, breast tenderness, water retention, moodiness, irritability, headaches, backaches, insomnia, fatigue and food cravings.  There are many natural approaches you can take to help ease these symptoms, so ask your daughter to try the following:

Eat a low fat diet coming up to your periods.  Milk and dairy products have been known to increase calcium levels, thus disturbing the calcium magnesium balance in the body and leading to cramps and heavy periods.  Try coconut, hazelnut, soya, almond or rice milk instead.

Regular exercise can help to reduce PMT.  Exercise increases the brain secretion of natural painkiller endorphins, relaxes muscles and improves circulation.

Avoid coffee, and reduce intake of tea, chocolate, colas and salt.

Evening primrose oil, linseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds are all excellent source of essential fatty acids which can help to reduce PMT.

Homeopathic medicine is naturally effective and has no side effects.  Magnesium Phosphate is indicated when warmth (eg a hot water bottle) or doubling up helps to relieve menstrual cramps.  Use Colocynthis for irritability and when menstrual pain forces you to double up.  Pulsatilla and Ignatia are wonderful remedies for the emotional swings of PMT.  Pulsatilla is for the weepy, moody, self-pitying PMT woman, whilst Ignatia is for someone who feels irritable, misunderstood and broody. 

Take a 30 potency one to three hourly during the discomfort.  Stop taking the remedy if the pain stops or if there is no relief after 48 hours.