Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, is a physical condition characterized by a variety of symptoms that typically recur 7 to 10 days before menstruation. The symptoms disappear when menstruation begins. Menopause means, simply, the end of menstruation, but the term is used to refer to months and years in a woman’s life before and after her final period. Many researchers believe that the symptoms from both of these conditions are a result of fluctuations or decreases in hormonal levels. This can cause changes throughout the body and particularly in the reproductive system.
Symptoms to Watch For
PMS Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Backaches
- Cramps
- Joint Pain
- Fatigue
- Water Retention
- Tender Breasts
- Mood Swings
- Increased Sugar or Chocolate Cravings
Menopause Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Backaches
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Night Sweats
- Poor Libido
- Irregular Bleeding
- Vaginal Dryness
- Trouble Sleeping
- Increased Sugar or Chocolate Cravings
Winning Strategies to Beat the Symptoms
Nutrition: A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat and protein is optimal. Soy is important as a cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Calcium and magnesium are important supplements to prevent osteoporosis.
Herbs*: For PMS try lecithin, evening primrose oil, gotu, kola, dong quai, black cohosh, chasteberry, sage and red raspberry release, as well as increased calcium intake. For menopausal symptoms try black cohosh, flax seed, ginseng with vitamin E (400-800 i.u.) and daminana. *For best results you should seek the advice of a professional trained in natural medicines.
Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise has been noted to relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause. Weight bearing exercise will help minimize bone loss.
Remove Stress from Nerves: Stress builds up and causes dysfunctions which affect the whole body including hormone production. Removing stress from the body is important in controlling hormonal balances.
Chiropractic’s Role in Managing Symptoms
It’s hard to believe that the roller coaster of symptoms of PMS or menopause can possibly be related to nerves or that correcting nerve interference can dramatically relieve symptoms. The answer is simple: it can and it does. Research shows that Chiropractic treatment to reduce stress and balance the nervous system has a beneficial effect for women suffering with PMS or menopause. Chiropractic’s respect for the healing wisdom of the body; removal of spinal stress that interferes with the flow of natural body energies; and promotion of the spine, joint, muscle and nerve balance and stability; make it a health care choice for premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women alike.
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