PMS - Hormone Balance

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome and refers to a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience before their menstrual period. To relieve PMS, one can consider regular physical activity, a balanced diet with adequate nutrients, stress management techniques, adequate sleep, and the use of herbal supplements such as chasteberry or chamomile. If the symptoms are severe, a doctor should be consulted.

Also known as Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree may help with PMS by regulating hormone levels. It is believed that chasteberry inhibits the production of the hormone prolactin and increases the level of progesterone, which can lead to relief from PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast pain and menstrual cramps. However, further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms.*

Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N, et al. (2000). Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus. Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine, 9(3), 315-320.

Schellenberg, R (2001). Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: Prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. British Medical Journal, 322(7279), 134-137.

Zamani, M., Neghab, N., & Torabian, S. (2012). Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Acta Medica Iranica, 50(2), 101-106.

Ma L, Lin S, Chen R, et al. (2018). Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A systematic review. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 297(5), 1111-1119.

Chamomile can help with PMS by possessing soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve cramps and pain, promote relaxation and reduce mood swings. Chamomile tea or the application of chamomile oil can help relieve PMS symptoms such as menstrual cramps, irritability, and trouble sleeping. However, further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms.*

*Srivastava, JK, Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895-901.

*Modabbernia, A., Sohrabi, H., Nasehi, AA, et al. (2018). Effect of chamomile extract on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 38(5), 527-532.

*Nasehi, AA, Taheraghdam, AA, & Fayyazi Bordbar, MR (2018). The effect of chamomile extract on premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 40, 160-166.

*Zargaran, A., Borhani-Haghighi, A., Salehi-Marzijarani, M., et al. (2014). Evaluation of the effect of topical chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oleogel as pain relief in migraine without aura: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Neurological Sciences, 35(4), 583-587.

1. Regular physical activity, such as B. Walks or light exercise.

2. Eat a healthy diet with an adequate intake of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products.

3. Stress reduction through relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises.

4. Sufficient sleep and rest periods to regenerate the body.

5. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol as they can increase symptoms.

6. If the symptoms are severe, herbal preparations such as chaste tree or chamomile can be considered. However, always consult a doctor for individual advice.