The Mayo Clinic states that approximately 75 percent of menstruating women experience symptoms of premenstrual symptoms (PMS), including depression. Some of the newer PMS depression information points out that a woman's serotonin levels may drop to lower levels in the two weeks preceding her period. Doctors will often prescribe antidepressants for these symptoms of depression. However, there are some natural remedies women can use to help them alleviate mild-to-moderate levels of PMS depression. It is important to remember that natural remedies don't provide instant cures and are not intended to replace advice by your doctor or health care provider.
Evening Primrose Oil
Nadine Taylor, author of 25 Natural Ways to Relieve PMS, writes that evening primrose (EPO) can help with PMS depression because of its essential fatty acid components. EPO also helps with depression because it can reduce prostaglandins, which are a hormone-like substance that can exacerbate the symptoms of PMS. EPO can also help women with other PMS symptoms such as bloating, soreness of the breast and regularity.
Yoga
According to Dr. Susan Lark of the Self-Help PMS Center in California and author of Premenstrual Syndrome Self-Help Book, some yoga postures may provide relief from both the physical and emotional discomforts of PMS. A variety of poses can aid in stimulating blood flow, which in turn can help regulate sugar metabolism and control moods, relieve depression by movements and mindfulness, and lift levels of certain hormones that are associated with depression.
Vitamin B6
Mary Dan Eade, author of The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, writes that vitamin B6 is a necessary ingredient needed for the body to manufacture norepinephrine and serotonin, which are two of the mood neurotransmitters that can help control mood and depression. Vitamin B6 can be derived naturally from foods such as grains, dairy, meat and fish. If a woman does not have a good diet, she may require a supplement.
References
- New York Times
- The Menopause Source
- The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals; Mary Dan Eade; 2000
