What is Pre-menstrual Cramp Syndrome? Natural & Effective Pre-menstrual cramp Relief

Pre-menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome are not signs of gynecological or menstural disorder but are often a part of the normal menstrual periods in most of the females. Though these condition can be treated using over the counter medications there are several natural and home remedies to manage the condition promptly. As per a recent study conducted in Germany, Chaste tree extract and Vitamin B6 supplements aided in reducing menstrual cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in about 36% and 21% of the participants respectively.

PMS is associated with
severe distress

Premenstrual Cramps: Causes of Premenstrual Cramps

As a part of the larger syndrome (Premenstrual Syndrome), premenstrual cramps are relatively common among females during their reproductive age. However about 5-10% of females suffer from severe abdominal pain prior to their menstrual periods, which often tend to interfere with their routine functioning.

• Experts believe that premenstrual cramps stem from the imbalance among female sex hormones namely estrogen and progesterone. This alteration in balance tends to result in smooth muscle contractions due to electrolyte imbalances. 
• Liver Disorders also contribute to the development of premenstrual cramps. Liver plays an important role in excreting excess of estrogen from the blood. If the liver is not functioning adequately due to hepatitis, pre-menstrual cramps are experienced
• Some experts believe that premenstrual cramps can be attributed to lower production of serotonin (a chemical messenger and neurotransmitter). Studies have shown that serotonin resulted in increased sensitivity to pain and can result in cramping feeling in the abdomen.

Premenstrual Cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome: Symptoms of PMS

Pre-menstrual cramps may be primary or secondary in origin. Primary cramps are associated with primary dysmenorrhea and begin a couple of days prior to menstruation. These cramps are relatively severe and associated with colicky pain in the abdomen which may radiate down to the thighs/ hips. Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand is associated with genital disease namely pelvic inflammatory disease or urinary tract infection.

In addition to the menstrual cramps, a female may experience a host of other symptoms as a part of the Premenstrual Syndrome complex,

• Breast pain and breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating and gaseous distention with gassy stomach
• Fatigue with lack of energy
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Headache along with generalized body pain and joint pain
• Constipation or diarrhea along with nausea and vomiting may also be experienced.

Premenstrual cramps relief: Natural and Effective Home Remedies to treat PMS

A large number of females usually treat pre-menstrual cramps using over the counter NSAIDs, which are often associated with various health implications include heartburn, reflux disease and peptic ulcers. Fortunately, there are a wide range of natural treatment options that can help in long term and effective management premenstrual Cramps.

• Chaste Tree extracts are considered beneficial in management of premenstrual cramps. Chaste tree supplements help regulate the hormonal imbalance by acting on the pituitary gland. Herbs like dong qaui and black cohosh are considered to increase the efficacy of chaste tree extract.



Magnesium and Vitamin
Supplements can reduce
Pre-menstural Cramps

• Vitamin B6 supplements are also beneficial in management of menstrual cramps. Vitamin B6 not only improves the livers ability to process and excrete excess of estrogen, it enables the brain to stimulate the production of serotonin.
• Magnesium supplements are known to reduce muscular contractions and can help in management of menstrual cramps
• Aroma Oils are considered to benefit in reducing pre-menstrual cramps. Lavender and geranium oils can aid in reducing abdominal colic and pain.
• Regular exercise or yoga therapy can help in improving the pain threshold along with playing a key role in improving hormonal imbalances. 

Treating Pre Menstrual Syndrome Naturally: Benefits of Homeopathy for PMS

Homeopathy, as a system of medicine has evolved from the concept of Law of Nature, which unlike the modern system of medicine dont change over decades. Homeopathy is based on the law of Simila Similbus Curentum, which means that same ( or similar) cures similar. Homeopathic drugs undergo a series of provings on healthy human subjects, which is aimed at treating ailments in diseased or unhealthy individuals. Homeopathy is also a medical science which is associated with minimal side effects and has been largely used for the management of chronic ailments which modern medicine fails to manage. However, its effectiveness in the management of acute ailments including premenstural syndrome disorder is significant. This article is about homeopathic drugs that have been effective in the management of premenstural syndrome disorder.

PMS is very distressing
and painful

Understanding Homeopathy: Benefits of Homeopathy for Treatment of Premenstural Syndrome

Homoeopathy is an extremely efficient, comprehensive, and composite system of treatment. The system aims at attaining complete, and lasting cure, naturally. Homoeopathic remedies bring to balance, the deranged vital principle of the patient, and thus, causes cure. Countless homoeopathic remedies have shown excellent results in the management of PMS.

Homoeopathic medicines are obtained from nature – leaves, flowers, fruits, animal extracts and products, and minerals, and are totally devoid of any harsh side effects. Homoeopathy, together with dietary corrections, aromatherapy, and Yoga will bring about significant improvement in women suffering from PMS.

Homoeopathic drugs achieve a balancing effect on the hormones, the drugs treat abdominal bloating and discomfort, body aches, and headaches efficiently. Homoeopathy also exerts a balancing and calming effect on the mind, allaying irritability, nervousness and depression along with bad temper.

Homeopathic Drugs for Management of PMS: Treating Pre Menstural Syndrome Naturally
Here are 2 drugs that have proved to be exceedingly efficacious in the treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome.

Homeopathy can help
in management of
Menstrual disorders

• Cimicifuga: Cimicifuga is an excellent and effective remedy to manage pre-menstrual syndrome. The medicine reduces muscular spasms, pains, and cramps effortlessly. Backache, pain in the thighs, pain in the abdomen / ovarian region, are managed well. The drug is also found effective in the management of breast tenderness and fullness. Cimicifuga has a marked therapeutic effect on the mind. It ameliorates depression, gloom and sadness that come on before and during the period. Overall, this remedy is considered beneficial in ameliorating the symptoms of PMS.
• Sepia: Sepia is another homeopathic drugs with potential benefits on the female reproductive system. The remedy is know to treat throbbing and shock like pains in the head during menstural periods and helps in reducing the intensity and severity of these headaches. The drug is also potential beneficial in the treatment of pimples, boils and acne which may arise due to hormonal imbalance during menstrual periods. Sepia is also an important remedy for management of heaviness and fullness in the abdomen, espeically associated with abdominal/ premenstrual cramps during PMS.

Precuations while Using Homeopathy:  Homeopathy for Health
In general homeopathic drugs are considered to be safe and free of any major side effects. It is imperative, that you bear in mind, that all medical conditions are handled well and successfully by a multi-disciplinary approach. Homeopathy, coupled with dietary regulations for management of menstrual problems is associated with a high percentage of success.
It should always be borne in mind that homoeopathy treatment, similar to any other treatment requires the physician to take a detailed history of the manifestations, before prescribing the most suited remedy. Consulting a trained and qualifed homeopathic pratitioner is a must prior to taking homeopathic medications. 

Managing Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Dietary Guidelines for management

What is pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent condition in women, characterized by bothersome symptoms 7 to 14 days prior to the menstruation.

Clinical manifestations of pre-menstrual syndrome

• Decreased energy levels

• Acne

• Irritability, anxiety, peevishness, depression

• Breast tenderness

• Headache, backache, abdominal discomfort

• Abdominal bloating

• Swelling of fingers and / or ankles


Causes of PMS

Changes in the hormonal profile, within the body are predominantly responsible for the occurrence of one or ore of the PMS symptoms.

• Studies state, that the estrogen levels in the body are elevated.

• And, the progesterone levels fall.

Diet and nutrition to treat pre-menstrual syndrome

• Eliminating or reducing the amount of animal products consumed will yield good results. Research states, that women on a vegetarian diet, excrete 2 – 3 times more estrogen in their feces, and have 50 % lower levels of free estrogen in their blood, as compared to women who consume large quantities of animal products.
• Women suffering from PMS, must stay away from caffeinated drinks. There is a strong link between caffeine and the psychological symptoms that occur during PMS. 
• Enhance your dietary intake of phyto-estrogens. Phyto-estrogens are compounds which exert a balancing effect on the estrogen level in the body, particularly when the estrogen level is high (as in PMS). Step up your intake of soy and its products, they are rich sources of naturally occurring phyto-estrogens.