7 remedies for PMS
Give period pains the push with these remedies that can help banish your symptoms
For pain and cramps
Proven to significantly reduce menstrual discomfort, Pycnogenol is a natural supplement derived from the bark extract of the French maritime pine that grows exclusively along the coast of South West France. Pycnogenol is a powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory that helps counter painful menstrual periods and cramps caused by elevated levels of inflammation.
Pycnogenol is available from www.healthspan.co.uk ; £12.95 for 60 tablets
For water retention and irritability
PMS sufferers tend to have low levels of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Starflower oil is one of nature's richest sources of this important unsaturated fatty acid GLA, which has been shown to help with breast pain, lessen menstrual cramps and also to help minimise water retention and irritability, all symptoms of PMS.
Starflower Oil is available from Holland & Barrett stores and www.hollandandbarrett.com ; £6.49 for 50 capsules
For mood swings
Magnesium-OK is specially designed for women to include vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 which have been found to maintain a healthy hormone balance and minimise ups and downs associated with the monthly cycle.
Wassen Magnesium-OK is available from Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, pharmacies and health food stores; around £4.25 for 30 capsules.
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For pain
Period pain is caused by the release of prostaglandins, chemicals that control the strength of the womb's contractions. During your period, your womb contracts to shed the unfertilised egg and unused lining. The higher your prostaglandin level, the stronger the contractions and the worse your period pain. Anadin Ibuprofen has been specially formulated to relieve inflammation and pain by blocking prostaglandin production in the tissues of the body.
Anadin Ibuprofen is available from leading supermarkets and pharmacies; £1.99 for 16 x 200mg tablets.
For symptom relief
PremHerb® is a traditional herbal, licensed medicinal product used to alleviate the symptoms of PMS based on traditional use only and is available in convenient one-a-day, easy to swallow tablets. PremHerb® contains Agnus Castus fruit extract (Vitex agnus castus L), which has long been employed as a traditional method of relieving premenstrual symptoms.
PremHerb® is available from Boots; £8.16 for 30 tablets
For energy
Vitamin B6 is needed for muscle function and for the release of energy from carbohydrates stores in muscles. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal blood homocysteine levels and helps the body handle iron. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride - Vitamin B6 is involved in the formation of red blood cells, normal protein and glycogen metabolism, and the regulation of hormonal activity.
Vitamin B-6 Tablets available from Holland & Barrett stores and www.hollandandbarrett.com ; £9.39 for 250 tablets
For hormonal problems
Women suffering with PMS can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body's ability to make GLA, a natural chemical that manages hormonal balance. This can be effectively corrected by supplementing with Evening Primrose Oil, which is rich in this natural ingredient.
Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil is made from a unique variety of seed called Rigel that produces oil containing up to 33% more GLA than other evening primrose oils, and is extracted in a manner that maintains all the natural properties of the seed.
Efamol Evening Primrose Oil from www.Efamol.com ; from £6.89 for 30 capsules
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