I am beginning to have pre-menstrual tension long before my period. Is this a natural progression with age, or is there something I can do about it?

Part III:
Stress can be a major factor in bringing on premenstrual symptoms. Dealing with prolonged stress is a vital part of any health and fitness programme to reduce PMS. Different stress reduction approaches work for different people. It may be wise to try out a few different techniques until you find something that works most effectively for your particular constitution, lifestyle and type of stress.

Increasing exercise, however, is nearly always guaranteed to reduce the negative side effects of prolonged stress, including PMS. Prolonged stress and anxiety can result in abnormal adrenal gland function and endorphin secretion. It is vital that any treatment introduced for PMS includes proper stress management and adrenal support. Several studies have shown that women who exercise on a regular basis do not suffer from PMS as severely as women who don’t. People who exercise regularly also have a lower rate of depression and depressive symptoms, due to increased levels of natural endorphins. It is important to take up some form of aerobic exercise to literally aerate your tissues. Without exercise your metabolism will slow down and all bodily systems will be sluggish. Exercise stimulates the lymph and blood systems, which help to remove waste products. This is essential to a healthy reproductive system.

Yoga is an extremely beneficial form of exercise for PMS because it increases circulation to the pelvis. Sitting upright with the knees bent and the soles of the feet together and hugged into the body is particularly useful, as is the pelvic rock. Yoga will also help to balance emotions, detoxify and tone the whole body and reduce many of the symptoms of PMS. Yoga has the potential to extend youth, life, health and vitality. To really get the most out of yoga, a small amount practise daily under supervision is more beneficial than going to one or two extended classes a week. Classes with some form of daily practice is the ideal.

Psychotherapy and counselling is useful in helping deal with some of the things that people do to help them cope with symptoms of PMS. It is important to deal with the negative coping patterns that people tend to adopt, such as over eating, dependence on drugs, alcohol, smoking, watching too much TV. Some form of psychotherapy can also help to try to understand what may be causing the stress in your life that is accentuating PMS symptoms.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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