PLEASE HELP me control my PMT before I do something stupid.

[emmatmg]

My PMT has now reached a level that it's threatening my relationship with DH. Basically I spend 2.5 weeks of the month being a evil, spitful, nasty, emotional bitch and the remainder of it waiting it to hit me again.

I used to take evening primrose oil(EPO) which really help but after each baby my PMT has got worse and worse and I doubt EPO will have the same effect on me unless I take about 50 a day.

Does anyone know if there if something similar but stronger that will help me and so make my DH and 3 ds's lives easier.

Thanks.

[eemie]

fluoxetine (Prozac) - worked like magic for me

[mummytosteven]

emmamtg - are you on any form of hormonal contraception?

[DelGirl]

Have you tried progesterone - I think it may possibly be VitB6 but i'm not certain. It's worth a try.

[emmatmg]

No, I'm not an any kind of pill.
TBH I really don't want to go on the pill after about 7 years being off it.

[bundle]

is this
any use? , from the bbc site? I think there are worries over high-dose B6, but you could chat to your doctor about it.

[sponge]

Might nay of this help?

Ways to Reduce PMT

Avoid putting yourself under unnecessary stress or setting unreasonable goals.
Eat less salt to reduce water retention.
Reduce alcohol intake, as alcohol robs the body of essential vitamins and minerals.
Reduce caffeine intake by cutting down on tea, coffee and cola drinks, as caffeine lowers the body?s ability to absorb certain essential nutrients, and can aggravate skin problems.
Reduce intake of saturated fats by eating less meat and dairy produce, as these can inhibit the body?s production of essential fatty acids, which can result in a hormone imbalance.
Reduce sugar intake to combat weight gain and depression. Control sugar cravings by taking a Vitamin B complex with added magnesium and chromium.
Relax by taking gentle exercise, such as yoga, and by taking warm baths.


Natural Treatment of PMT


A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of PMT. Therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach remedies, homoeopathy and massage may also help to alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT.



Vitamin, Mineral and Herbal Supplementation


Vitamin B, particularly Vitamin B6, and the mineral Magnesium have been shown to be very effective in relieving some of the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT, and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Medical practitioners frequently prescribe Vitamin B6 and a course of Evening Primrose Oil (described below) for PMT sufferers.



Camomile tea, taken two or three times a day in the week or fortnight before the start of a period is calming, and acts as a diuretic, removing some of the body?s retained fluid. Stronger herbal diuretics, such as boldo, dandelion, juniper and parsley piert can also be used. Most herbal diuretics work gently on toning and strengthening the body?s kidney function, with none of the harsh effects of conventional diuretics. Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil both contain the fatty acid Gamma Linoleic Acid, which helps to regulate hormone balance, and has been shown to relieve abdominal swelling and breast discomfort, and also to reduce irritability and depression.



Restoring Hormone Levels Naturally


The herb Wild Yam, which contains phytoprogesterone, a natural form of progesterone, and successfully used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, may be used as an alternative to the synthetic hormone, progesterone, which is often prescribed in various forms to be taken during the second half of the menstrual cycle to restore hormone levels. Many women feel more confident taking a ?natural? rather than a synthetic hormone.

[bundle]

the PMS website has a good list of what evidence there is for various complementary therapies

[mummytosteven]

Emmatg - was wondering if that might be causing the problem - just the mini-pill gave me terrible PMT, coupled with periods every ten days = recipe for hell! I agree with what Del Girl said about Vit B6. Altenatively a woman called Maryon Stewart has written a lot about controlling/improving PMT thru diet. I have also heard of Prozac being marketed as being a treatment for PMT - tho you may feel that it is a bit drastic. The other thing I wonder is if you could have some sort of hormone imbalance causing this. Best of luck

[emmatmg]

Having abit of a wake up call looking at the links posted as my diet is sooooooooo bad that I'm sure that's some of the problem.

I suspect it go twose with each baby as I've had less time to eat properly and have been grabbing quick fixes like chocolate, biscuits and crisps to keep the hunger at bay. How and Why I'm not the size of a bus I don't know concidering the crap I eat.

I'm just finishing my period and am so aware of the differnce in me between now and a few days ago(prior to it arriving) that it's shocking

[agy]

Think GPs treat this with prozac. Would you want to give this a try? I find cod liver oil good for emotional balance overall - unless I'm just getting a placebo effect. Who knows?!

[Blu]

If you're eating a lot and not putting on weight, it might be an idea to ask your GP to check your thyroid levels - which can effect mood too - and are often thrown off balance by pregnancy.

[gloworm]

i own a health food shop emmatmg and we get asked about PMT all the time. most people seem to have already tried evening primrose amd B6 to no avail (although obviously these do work for some people).

The most sucess we have had has been with a herbal remedy called Agnus Castus or Chaste berry. Bioforce and quest are 2 good quality brands. it is a natural way of raising progerterone levels...most people with PMT seem to have high oestrogen/low progesterone. it can take 3 menstrual cycles before you see any improvement, although some people see an improvement with first cycle.
...i started taking it after i stopped bf second baby and noticed i didnt get bloated before period, by second period i noticed better mood period 3 due soon and hope for even more improvements!!
it covers every PMT symptom you could this of...bloating, water retention, mood swings, temper, anger, sadness, cramps, irregular periods, spots, desire to kill someone!!
it comes in drops you add to water (these are better) or tablets(these are more convenient)
Dont take if on pill or anything hormonal.

[rosies]

emmatmg,

hi again... )

do get in touch with me, we live near each other. maybe we could work something out regarding guinea pigs!

funnily enough, i did try to contact you via mn today, i hope you got it.

best wishes

rosie