Physical and psychological symptoms that a large number of women experience for several days before the menstrual bleeding begins are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that causes emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and irritability that are more severe than that associated with PMS. Antidepressants are usually used for alleviating the psychological symptoms, whereas birth control pills are recommended for stabilizing the hormonal changes that aggravate the emotional disorder prior to periods. However, studies suggest that PMDD can be treated naturally with certain supplements, herbs and lifestyle changes.
Natural Treatment for PMDD
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is an effective herbal remedy for PMDD. The herb works by suppressing prolactin secretion that helps to reduce breast pain that occurs before menstruation. By inhibiting the activity of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), chasteberry helps to reduce the estrogen level and increase the progesterone level, thereby stabilizing the fluctuating hormonal levels that trigger the physical and psychological symptoms of PMDD.
About 120 mg of chasteberry can be taken daily by women susceptible to PMDD. Studies have found that chasteberry is as effective as the antidepressant drug fluoxetine in treating PMDD.
St John’s Wort
St John’s wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression, can help to alleviate depression and other emotional symptoms of PMDD. About 300 mg of St. John’s wort can be taken thrice a day during the luteal phase when the symptoms of PMDD occur.
Ginkgo Biloba
Another herb that can benefit women vulnerable to PMDD is ginkgo biloba.
By stabilizing the levels of hormones and brain chemicals during the luteal phase, gingko biloba helps to reduce breast discomfort and the psychological symptoms of PMDD. About 80 mg of ginkgo biloba can be taken twice a day during the luteal phase.
Magnesium Supplement
Supplementation with magnesium can provide relief from breast pain experienced by women prone to PMDD. It works by reducing prostaglandin production. 400 to 800 mg of magnesium can be taken each day by women who experience pain before periods.
Calcium Supplement
Calcium is one of the most effective essential minerals for treating PMDD. Studies suggest that supplementation with 1200 mg of calcium daily can cause almost 50 percent reduction in the symptoms of PMDD. To facilitate calcium absorption, calcium should be combined with vitamin D in the supplement.
You can also meet the optimal daily calcium requirement by drinking three glasses of milk daily. Calcium is required for synthesis of hormones, transmission of nerve signals and for muscle movements, which help to reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMDD.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins thiamine, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin and vitamin B12 are needed for producing neurotransmitters. Adequate intake of B vitamins helps to stabilize the levels of brain chemicals, thereby preventing development of PMDD. Intake of the B vitamins from food sources is more effective than supplement in treating the symptoms of PMDD.
Dietary Changes
Certain changes in the diet during the weeks before the periods can benefit women susceptible to PMDD. Increasing intake of complex carbohydrates can help to reduce depression by boosting the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Avoiding or limiting intake of caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, animal fats and salt also helps to reduce the severity of PMDD.
Exercise
Moderate physical activities help to improve mood. By calming the mind, yoga, tai chi and deep breathing exercises can prevent depression.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.