Mentrual Discomfort

Guy Abraham, MD has contributed extensive research into premenstrual syndrome. (PMS) and menstrual discomfort.  There are women who suffer from water retention, breast tenderness and gas.  Many others tire easily and crave sweets.  Then there is anxiety and irritability and bad cramps to deal with.

The hormones that control menstruation are estrogen and progesterone.  When these hormones build in the body at this certain time period, the central nervous system is affected.  When estrogen dominates a woman cant get anxious or irritable.  If  progesterone predominates, then a woman can suffer depression and fatigue.

Dr. Abraham gives some helpful tips on how to deal with difficult symptoms.

1.  Reduce caffeine or cut it out altogether.  You can do this gradually and try to do it when you feel the best in a monthly cycle.  At this same time maybe a cup of specialty coffee can be a treat.  In severe cases of PMS, you probably do have to give it up altogether.

2.  Get more magnesium into the system. This mineral does miraculous things.  It can help smooth out contractions of the uterine muscles that cause cramps.  Magnesium also helps with  irritability, bloating, swelling of the face, breast tenderness and gas.

Whole grain breakfast cereal and vegetables are high in magnesium.

3.  As much as 300mg of vitamin B6 a day is suggested.  100 to 300mg.  This B vitamin works along with magnesium to prevent the uncomfortable symptoms.  Bananas have vitamin B6.  Cereals and grains do as well.  Do not take more than 300mg.

Published by  Prevention Magazine.  Rodale Press, Inc.  1991