What really works for PMT and period pain
Around 90% of women suffer from pre-menstrual tension (also known as pre-menstrual syndrome/PMS) and many women suffer from cramps and pains before and during their period too. But you don't have to go through it because we've found out what really works for PMT and period pain.
According to a recent study more than half of us feel totally useless and unwell in the run up to our periods and 42% said that they deliberately started a fight or argument during PMT because they felt out of control.
Aside from these extreme symptoms most of us experience bloating, cramps, backache and breast tenderness, as well as psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings, anger and tearfulness.
Studies are regularly carried out into PMT and period pain - and can have confusing results. Over the last few months we've heard that exercise doesn't help when it comes to beating period pain - even though it's been recommended by experts for years. And a new study has said that there is 'promising evidence' that acupuncture could relieve period pains.
So, how do we know what really works? We spoke to the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome for advice and one of the UK's leading experts on PMT, Jonathon Wellbeck-Pure, a naturopath, homeopath and nutritionist.
Bloating and water retention
Some women can put on up to 5lbs just before their period and this is usually just water but the best remedy for this is actually drinking more water because this helps your body to flush out the excess water and toxins.
Here's your action plan:
- Drink more water - 8 glasses a day is ideal
Eat more high-fibre foods, such as wholegrain bread and pasta and brown rice - Try a herbal tea such as nettle or fennel as these are known to help with water retention
Spots and dry skin
Isn't it annoying that even as an adult you can get acne? But adult acne is now quite common, especially just before or during your period. This is because changes in your hormones affect your skin and hair. Some women get spots, especially around the mouth and chin, some get dry patches of dry skin.
Here's your action plan:
- The solution for both is the same, Jonathon recommends evening primrose oil capsules or blackcurrant seed oil capsules, but you need to take the recommended dose for 2 - 3 months before you see any difference. The reason these supplements can help is because they are Gamma Linolenic Acids (GLA), which are essential fatty acids that can help to balance hormones.
By Louise O'Connell
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