Homeopathy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
The female cycle is the result of a wonderful combination of hormones. It is amazing how fascinating this cycle can be. All these hormones, all those eggs, really amazing, how well we are made!
Yet there are so many of us to whom this cycle does not exactly spell harmony. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that plagues women of fertile age is problematic for so many of us.
During 7-10 days prior to menstruation we may experience migraines, drowsiness, clumsiness, abnormal hunger pangs, sugar cravings, abdominal discomfort/swelling, weight gain, skin eruptions, breast tenderness, just to name a few, and our libido may go down the plug hole. We may also observe our emotions going haywire, we are apt to mood swings, we can be excessively irritable and may have difficulties with concentrating. We are perhaps weepier or can react aggressively to everyday situations that do not bother us at any other time.
Many of us women, besides suffering PMS, also suffer from misunderstanding of what we are going through. We may be reluctant to speak about it, feeling others think we exaggerate. It can be difficult at times to explain and have support during the whole experience.
Luckily there is a growing awareness about the characteristic symptoms preceding the menstrual period. Awareness that these symptoms are the result of hormonal imbalance, not some character defect or personality disorder.
The levels of female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone) have an effect on the central nervous system and the metabolism of the brain’s chemical substance, serotonin. Serotonin has a general regulatory function in the human body; it can play a role in the development of depression, anxiety, eating and sleep disorders.
The presence of PMS cannot be diagnosed with lab results. One way to identify symptoms is self-observation. If you experience cyclic symptoms, in other words symptoms that come on 7 to 10 days before menstruation, that disappear during your period, it is likely you are suffering from PMS.
Personally, speaking, I remember a few days before my period was due I used to have coordination problems. I would drop things, or worse drop dirty linen into the loo, instead of the linen basket next to it. I would often break crockery and weep inconsolably. During these times, I could not even wear a bra, my breasts were so tender.
That is until I discovered homeopathy. From then on I had a completely different attitude to my health issues.Going back to university eventually to retrain as a homeopath is one of the best decisions I ever made.
So, what is Homeopathy? – In a nutshell, it is a form of complementary medicine that helps people naturally, with remedies that come from nature and work in line with the law of nature (the Principal of Similars). By using minimum doses which are absolutely safe. It is not a treatment or remedy for the disease itself, but a method that actually activates, re-enforces the body’s own defense responses.
The Law of Similars suggests that a minute/nano dose of a substance will heal whatever presenting set of symptoms this substance causes in a large dose.
IS HOMEOPATHY A QUICK SOLUTION?
In acute conditions, and in the case of young children, it can indeed be a quick solution, but not so much in chronic inflammations, or any other chronic condition. Although the correct remedy can quickly bring relief, for lasting effects patience is required. The aim is to build up your health, step by step. The homeopathic healing is a process, an individualized process.
MADE TO MEASURE TREATMENTS
Of course, in the homeopathic Materia Medica we find many other remedies that can help with arthritic rheumatic pain, depending on all the other symptoms, and modalities a person may present. Everyone suffers in an individual way and homeopathy is a ‘made to measure’ method to your specific state. And to make it to measure is the job of your homeopathic practitioner.
HERE ARE A FEW QUICK POINTERS TO HOW HOMEOPATHY CAN HELP YOU DURING PMS:
Calc carb, Bryonia and Lac Caninum can be of great help when the breasts swell and are hyper sensitive, tender during the premenstrual period.
Actaea racemosa: when the mood is changeable, with nervous tension and tendency to spasm. In extreme cases, one is afraid of the periods coming on, the head seems to be in a cloud, and one fears going mad, especially before the onset of the periods.
Lachesis: this remedy is useful at the perimenopausal stage. Irritability, jealousy, depression, headache, flashes of heat during the last 15 days of the cycle. Severe menstrual cramps, painful breasts, nipple worse from tight clothing. All symptoms ameliorate with the onset of the menstrual flow.
Nat mur: Over emotional, sad and morose, irritable, before the periods come on, aggravated by consolation, aversion to sex. Breasts sensitive to the least touch. Water retention also points to this remedy.
Pulsatilla: Periods are easily suppressed (such as getting feet wet), and are irregular. Mental symptoms leading to this remedy: The Pulsatilla person is weepy, changeable, shy, needing sympathy. Thirstless, craves creamy things – whipped cream, ice cream – worse in warm rooms.
Sepia: Sadness and fatigue are already felt in the morning. Headaches or migraines often accompany menstruation. Bearing down sensation as if all the organs would fall out, must cross her legs; periods are late, scanty, irregular or early and profuse. Low sex drive. Patient may be angry, tired, chilly, irritable and over-worked. May be much improved by exercise, worse from cold, better for warmth.
There is no need to despair! The change in female hormone levels, which is the background of PMS, when all goes well, is a natural process. Homeopathy will align your body’s own resources to re-establish balance.
If you feel you need personalized help/treatment, please get in touch.