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Symptoms of PMS include menstrual cramping which can be severe. The
cause of PMS and menstrual cramping seems to be a drop in the level of blood calcium. When
blood calcium levels drop symptoms include muscle cramps, headaches, body aches, sleeplessness, water
retention and depression. In menstruating women, blood calcium levels
can begin to fall off about 10 days prior to the start of the menstrual period.
Calcium supplements or naturally occurring
calcium in foods and herbs are important ways to prevent PMS. Some foods and herbs that
have a good amount of easily assimilated calcium are yogurt, kelp (and other seaweed),
sesame seeds (and tahini, which is made from sesame seeds), kale, spinach, parsley, raspberry leaf, comfrey leaf, alfalfa, oat straw, and nettle.
PMS is associated with lactose
intolerance according to one recent study, so it is important to obtain calcium from
non-dairy sources for some women. Lactose malabsorption is characterized by a deficiency
of mucosal lactase. As a consequence, lactose reaches the colon where it is broken down by
bacteria to short-chain fatty acids, CO2, and H2. Bloating, cramps, osmotic diarrhea, and
other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are the consequence and can be
seen in about 50% of lactose malabsorbers as can signs of premenstrual syndrome and mental
depression. In this study, subjects with lactose malabsorption showed a significantly
higher score in the Beck's depression inventory than normal lactose absorbers did. The
data thus suggest that lactose malabsorption may play a role in the development of mental
depression. In lactose malabsorption high intestinal lactose concentrations may interfere
with L-tryptophan metabolism and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) availability. Lactose
malabsorption should be considered in patients with signs of mental depression or PMS. If raising your intake of calcium still doesn't take care of
the cramps you are experiencing, you might add some cramp bark to your "Calcium-Rich
Tea" or your "FemininiTea." Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a wonderfully
effective uterine relaxant and nervine (it's a good aid to many other types of muscle
cramping also). Cramp bark contains valerianic acid (also found in valerian, which is also
an excellent nervine) and seems to work particularly well with the reproductive system.
It can also be effective in cases of heavy bleeding
or when more than one period is experienced during the month. I have heard wonderful
reports from my clients as to its effectiveness. There are no known side effects or
toxicities reported even during extended usage of this herb. According to Dr. John
Christopher, cramp bark is "possibly the best female regulator-relaxant that we have
for the uterus and ovaries." Rosemary Gladstar considers cramp bark "..among my
favorite remedies for menstrual cramps."
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- Excessive Bleeding
(Menorrhagia)
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- Before starting on a regimen of birth control pills,
or scheduling a hysterectomy (two very common medical solutions for heavy bleeding), try a natural solution.
It just might be the answer you've been looking for.
Though menorrhagia may be
caused by other problems (fibroids, cysts, tumors, etc.), there are two systems in the
body that seem to have a particularly strong effect on how much bleeding occurs. One is
the endocrine system and the other is the liver. The thyroid plays a very important part
in the endocrine system, and nourishing and balancing the thyroid should not be ignored.
Again, as with PMS and cramps, you should include
good food in your diet. Foods high in vitamins and trace minerals seem to promote good
thyroid health. Seaweed is a particularly rich source. Dulse and hijiki are milder tasting
than kelp (though kelp is a very good). Dark green leafy vegetables and root vegetables
should also be eaten, as well as whole grains (avoid red meats). The "Calcium-Rich
Tea" suggested for PMS and cramps is a good choice for menorrhagia, as it is also
high in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and B12. Avoid herbs like angelica or dong quai
because these herbs can cause bleeding to occur or to be heavier than normal. You should
also avoid refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. |
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Product Recommendations |
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- Femaprim is a woman's dietary
supplement, traditionally used for menstrual difficulties. Vitex has been heavily
researched in Europe. It is widely used to promote overall health and balance in a woman's
life. 1 Capsules provides 225 mg Vitex extract, 100 mg Vitex fruit
and 100 mg B-6.
- On Sale Now
 
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- $9.99
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- PMS formula uses Vitamin B-6, because
it is an important co-factor for the metabolism of essential fatty acids which decrease
hormone receptor sensitivity and convert prostaglandin E1. Magnesium, which is essential
for proper muscle function (contraction and relaxation). 5-HTP, the precursor to serotonin
- a mood regulating neurotransmitter produced by the body, and a synergistic Herbal Blend
of well known botanicals traditionally used to support a woman's monthly cycle
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- For Woman Only provides nutrients to help
support and maintain the health of today’s active women.
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Vitamin-minerals plus essential herbal women factors. Because of the
changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, women may experience a
variety of symptoms: P.M.S, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and menopause. Designed
specifically to help maintain good hormonal health.
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