Premenstrual Syndrome---also known as PMS---is a condition that can occur before or during a woman's menstrual period. While isolated symptoms of PMS occur occasionally in most women, not all women suffer from true PMS, which may be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Women with PMS experience a constellation of symptoms ranging from bloating, cramping and fatigue to mood swings and insomnia. In some cases, herbal supplements for PMS can improve symptoms. Consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.
Types
There are several different types of herbal supplements for PMS. Herbs that can be used to treat the underlying causes of PMS---such as hormonal imbalances and inflammation---and those that relieve individual symptoms like insomnia make up the two major categories of PMS supplements.
Dong quai, black cohosh and evening primrose oil are among the most popular PMS supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, primrose oil is an effective remedy for PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating and mood swings. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid---an essential fatty acid needed to calm inflammation in the body.
Uses
Black cohosh is an herb that acts as a building block for progesterone---a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle. It is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety and muscle tension associated with PMS.
Popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is often promoted as a treatment for menstrual cramps, impaired menstrual flow and premenstrual weakness or fatigue. Symptoms for which evening primrose oil can be helpful include cramps, swollen or painful breasts and bloating.
Safety
Herbal supplements are not closely monitored for safety by the FDA, making them subject to possible contamination. According to the New York Times, many herbal products have been found to contain impurities like pesticide residues or heavy metals, some of which exceed FDA safety limits for these substances.
Even if a supplement is safe, it may not possess all of the healing properties claimed in advertisements. All potential side effects and interactions of herbal supplements may not be known due to a lack of scientific testing on the part of manufacturers, who are not required to prove safety or efficacy prior to marketing.
Considerations
In some cases, finding the underlying cause of PMS---such as a specific hormone imbalance or nutrient deficiency---is necessary before an effective remedy can be implemented. Many factors can influence the effectiveness of a given supplement, such as an herb's potency, purity and dose.
Warning
Some herbal supplements can cause acute side effects like allergic reactions, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. If you experience severe or persistent side effects such as throat swelling, heart palpitations or yellowing of the skin while taking herbal supplements, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
