PMS and Depression Natural Cures

While as many as 80% of all women will experience some level of PMS over their lifetime, the number who have severe PMS symptoms with accompanying depression is about 5-12%. Severe PMS can bring about physical pain and discomfort as well as mental disorders and severe mood swings. Severe PMS symptoms can make it impossible for you to live your live normally, and can drastically cut down on the number of days each month in which you feel like you can get through your regular day without problems.

Symptoms of Mild PMS

Most all women are familiar with the milder forms of PMS which include bloating and cramping, food cravings and excess hunger, lack of concentration, crying easily, insomnia, and being easily irritated or angered. Following a healthy diet and getting plenty of regular exercise can drastically improve PMS symptoms, especially reducing caffeine and alcohol and cutting back on sugar and salt. Try to eat several small meals per day, including plenty of high-quality proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try to get out and see your friends and family and friends to take your mind off your physical aches and mental annoyances.

Severe PMS

"Regular" PMS can turn into a much more complicated disorder known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and along with the normal PMS issues can bring anxiety, mood disorders, exhaustion, overeating, migraines, joint pain and severe breast tenderness. Women who suffer from this more extreme form of PMS can totally lose control over their lives, their work, relationships and everyday activities, and in certain cases can even experience thoughts of suicide. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, birth control pills with estrogen, or other hormone therapy in cases when the PMDD symptoms are just unbearable.

Natural Solutions to PMS and PMDD

Basic healthy living can help ease both PMS and PMDD symptoms and many women have found blessed relief through the use of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. Studies show that calcium levels in women with PMS and PMDD are especially low, therefore it's very important to get plenty of calcium in your diet. The women who had the highest intake of calcium from their diet had the fewest symptoms of PMS or PMDD. Taking 300 mg. of calcium carbonate four times per day was shown to significantly reduce bloating, depression, pain, mood swings and food cravings experienced by women before their monthly period.

Magnesium and Chaste Tree Berry

Another study found that chaste tree berry taken over three menstrual cycles also rendered improvements in headaches, breast tenderness, irritability and depression. Unfortunately, chaste tree berry has some side effects of its own, including nausea, digestive disturbances, acne, itching and skin rashes. Pregnant women should never take chaste tree berry, nor should children or those with kidney or liver disease. Magnesium is also showing good results for those with PMDD or PMS and women taking 360 mg three times per day beginning on day 15 and going to the start of the menstrual period had major improvements in their mood swings. Magnesium supplements also reduced the weight gain associated with PMS as well as swelling of hands and legs, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating. So, if you want to be able to wear your jeans throughout your PMS period, try magnesium!

Some women have also had good results with acupuncture, as well as breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques. Yoga can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of PMS and PMDD, and can also make your much calmer during the time prior to your period. If your PMS symptoms are not relieved by any of the natural methods, it is imperative that you see your doctor and get stronger help.