PMS Symptoms are Caused by Hormonal Imbalance
You’re achy, cranky, crampy and the last thing you feel like doing is going to work or school. Your head hurts, you’re bloated like a balloon and all you want to do is curl up in bed with a hot water bottle and a book. Except you can’t, because life just doesn’t work like that and the bills won’t pay themselves. We will look at Natural Remedies for PMS Hormonal Imbalance and see how they may help those that struggle with PMS.
Sounds familiar? Chances are it does, as thousands of women experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms every month. For years, from when they are teens to when they are in their fifties and the menopause starts. It brings with it a whole new set of problems but’s that’s a topic for another day.
Fighting PMS Hormonal Imbalance, the Traditional Way
Premenstrual syndrome symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalances. And it’s not just the commonly blamed hormones like estrogen and progesterone imbalances that are the problem. Once those hormones are thrown out of whack then others are affected as well. Insulin and the stress hormone cortisol can increase as well. This can explain some of those chocolate cravings and that tummy bloat and, in fact, all kinds of bodily systems and functions can go a bit haywire.
The way most women try to treat PMS is to swallow a handful of Midol or paracetamol. They put up with the mood swings, slap on a bit of lippie and just try to grin and bear it. For those who really suffer every month sometimes, a doctor will prescribe something a bit stronger.
Unfortunately, these measures can only mask the symptoms for a little while, they don’t address the root causes of the symptoms. There is lot’s of health information on natural remedies that do. These are worth exploring in a little more detail to help your hormone imbalance.
Essential Oils for Relief of PMS
A number of essential oils may be very helpful in addressing the individual components of PMS. Clary sage oil, for example, helps to naturally balance out-of-whack hormones while cypress oil boosts circulation to help relieve cramps. Both can be topically applied, with a few drops of the essential oil mixed with a carrier oil like almond oil.
Lavender essential oil is a fantastic overall stress buster, and may help to keep cortisol at bay, when inhaled via a steam bath or an essential oil diffuser. Peppermint essential oil, when applied to a damp compress, can help battle pain directly at its source.
You will get what you pay for with essential oils, so make sure you use pure essential oils. Use essential oils like those from Young Living, they are world leaders in Essential oils. If you would like to buy Young Living oils you can sign up here and save 24%.
Fresh Ginger Tea for PMS Relief
Besides being a spicy, tasty addition to many recipes fresh ginger root can be a great natural remedy for a number of ailments as well. It is effective against these symptoms, especially cramps. But if you can’t quite deal with the idea of gnawing on a chunk of ginger root (it is very spicy) you can turn it into an effective pms premenstrual tea instead.
To make ginger tea, grate a teaspoon’s worth of fresh ginger into a cup of boiling water, allow it to steep for a few minutes, strain and add honey to taste. Consumed once or twice daily this tea may contribute to help your hormone imbalance and keep the symptoms at bay. It may also help to alleviate slight nausea that can accompany other PMS hormonal imbalance symptoms.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is one of the best natural sources of the powerful and versatile antioxidant omega 3 fatty acid for women’s health. Research has shown that omega 3 may help relieve some of the emotional turbulence that comes along with PMS. Effects such as bloating, headaches, night sweats and cramps. One tablespoon of flaxseed a day, sprinkled in cereal or on a salad can be all you need to seriously reduce these unpleasant symptoms very effectively.
Alternately you can also find a significant amount of omega 3 fatty acids in fish like salmon, tuna or trout.
Calcium and Magnesium for Premenstrual Relief
These trace minerals are crucial to your overall health in general. Yet many women simply do not get enough of them from their everyday diet. In terms of hormonal imbalance relief calcium helps balance out hormone levels, and relieve cramps and stress. Magnesium has also been shown to be effective against premenstrual headaches, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Foods rich in these minerals include green leafy vegetables, beans, kelp, blackstrap molasses, and bananas may also help. Or you can choose to take a daily supplement instead or as well.
Exercise for PMS Relief
Although it may be the last thing you feel like doing is a little extra exercise. Making some lifestyle changes can be a great way to combat some of the worsts symptoms of PMS including weight gain. It does not have to be an extra grueling workout in the gym though, a brisk walk in the fresh air will do just fine.