PMS Alert

Every month is the same. Just before my period starts I get the most terrible PMS. What can I do about it?

Dee Atkinson Answers

PMS affects up to 75 per cent of women at some point in their lives, and can happen any time between two and fourteen days before their period starts. There are a huge range of possible symptoms, from the physical, such as swollen breasts, headache and fatigue to the emotional, such as mood swings and depression.

PMS usually happens when there is unusually high oestrogen and low progesterone levels, and clinically can be divided into four main types. The best approach would be for you to visit a qualified herbal practitioner, which will mean that the herbal treatment can be tailored to fit the specific symptom picture that you present with.

To self-treat try vitex agnus castus and evening primrose oil. Vitex has a hormone-balancing action, working at the level of the pituitary balancing oestrogen and progesterone release and over a few months will help to even out symptoms. Evening primrose oil is especially helpful if you are suffering from fluid retention.