Natural treatment for PMT

[Cosybythefire]

I used to get PMT a week before my period and i would feel hormonal/angry/sad/ache/binge on sugary food!
It now seems to be two weeks before my period and i get all the above symptoms plus anxiety, I snap at DH and forget things.

I feel bad for DH and DC.

I have googled natural ways of treating this and there are a few suggestions. Some quite expensive so just want to check here for any recommendations​ first?

Any advice welcome!

[Eatingcheeseontoast]

Agnus castus helped me.

But it might be worth going to GPs if its really bad. Mine got worse and worse because I was perimenopausal and HRT helped.

[Handsup]

eating did you have blood tests to confirm you were peri menopausal or did the doctor suggest based on symptoms/instinct?

[Eatingcheeseontoast]

Blood tests aren't reliable I believe until you are actually in menopause. It was all symptom based, dryness, anxiety, irregular periods, night sweats, flushes and temper!

[Cosybythefire]

Thanks eating.
I read about it online and I'll pick some up this week. Did you take it everyday or just when needed?

[Liara]

I took magnesium and it really helped. Was cheap too.

Unfortunately it also gave me bad digestion so I've had to stop (I've had issues with my digestion all my life, so this wouldn't necessarily happen to someone 'normal')

[misscph1973]

Liara, try Epsom salts in the bath (500 g, you can get 5-25 kg bags on eBay/Amazon), that's magnesium absorbed via the skin, it's much better than taking a tablet.

Cosebythefire, I also suffer from PMS. It got really bad with stress and peri menopause. I tried all the natural remedies. But in the end my GP suggested the minipill, the theory was that it would stop me ovulating and also stop the hormones that cause PMS. It took over 4 months before I could see a difference. I am not cured, but it is better. Also lifestyle changes have made a huge difference. We now have a cleaner and I go swimming 2-3 times a week. I work very hard on getting good sleep - I had terrible sleep when the PMS and stress was at its worst. I make sure I can manage my work (I am self-employed). I say no to demands from DH and DC more (and they don't suffer). I expect less of myself (and I still feel adequate).

But it's very individual, what worked for me might not work for you. I do think that for most women stress management will make a difference. Are you stressed? Do you sleep well? How is your diet and do you get any exercise? Self-care?

You might like Sarah Gottfried's The Hormone Cure. This book changed my life. I was in tears from relief when I read it, it was such a relief to discover I was not alone. It has very good advice on what natural treatments to choose.

[Liara]

Thanks, I'll give that a go. Great excuse to take the time for a bath, if nothing else!

[misscph1973]

It's a good place to start, isn't it ;)

Evening Primrose Oil helps many women, it didn't work for me, though. But I think that was because my PMS was triggered by stress.

Do you use any contraception? You could talk to your GP what contraception, ie the pill or the Mirena coil, might affect your PMS positively.

Also Diindolylmethane or DIIM might work for you, you can get it on Amazon. Again, did nothing for me, but many women swear by it.