PMS and some alternative remedies

Everything your partner says is annoying, that dog's yapping next door sounds more irritating that usual and the next person who smiles at you can expect a smack in the face.

Yes - you have your period and no one is safe! But you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are not the only one. In fact most women suffer from PMS (post menstrual syndrome) but some people suffer more than others.

Although experts are not sure of the reason behind PMS, the most likely reason is that some women are more sensitive to the hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle.

During the cycle, the ovaries make two main hormones. Estrogen is made by the ovaries throughout the entire menstrual cycle. It reaches its highest levels during the second and third weeks and declines during the last week. During the last two weeks of the cycle the ovaries also make progesterone.

PMS can affect between 70 and 90 percent of women. 30 to 40 percent of women have such painful bouts of PMS that it affects their life and they have to take time off work or school.

PMS has jokingly been referred to as "Permissable man slaughter" however some women have done some drastic things during a PMS Rage.  In 1981, Christine English used it as a defence in court after running her partner over. She was banned from driving for 12 months. In the same year, Sandie Craddock got off a murder charge for the same reason.

Although mood swings are a well known side affect of PMS, symptoms can also include: irritability, anxiety, bloating, depression and sore breasts. If you suffer from cramps, pain killers such as ibuprofen and some birth control pills can help. If you are more interested in natural alternatives, hot water bottles are very comforting and will relax the mussles, a hot bath is helpful too.

Raspberry leaf tea has been known to help women who are in labour to give birth, it can also be used during your period to eleviate pain. This tea has amazing anti inflammatory properties.  Mood changes can be handled simply by keeping away from those people are more likely to annoy you and going for a run, walk or preferable physical activity. Sports help improve general wellbeing and will give you a natural high.

Omega 3 can be very helpful as they help with depression and can help with pain relief. St John's wort is a well known natural alternative to anti depressants. Many women feel teary eyed and unhappy during PMS. Chaste tree berry, otherwise known as hemp tree, is also a great way to treat painful cramps and breast tenderness. Evening primrose oil is valued for containing essential fatty acids which are very important during your mentrual cycle.

However PMS affects you, there are many ways to deal with the pain and if a trip to the doctor doesn't work out, a trip to your local supermarket or health food specialist may help to improve some painful symptoms which affect both you and your loved ones.

By Lucy Mullinger - Auckland