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?

Some amount of tiredness and feeling somewhat emotional before a period is quite normal and should not be regarded as a problem, more of an 'awareness' of what your body is going through. It is important to slow down during this time of the month and be kind to yourself.

If however, these symptoms become more severe and continue over an extended length of time, it could be pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

These symptoms, which can make a woman's life a misery, do not necessarily have to become part of the aging phenomenon. But in a modern day, sedentary society it certainly is becoming more the norm for women to suffer with their periods, especially during the ten years before menopause.

What is important, however, is that women know that this does not necessarily have to be the case. As long as there is no underlying medical condition, PMS can be related to diet, family history, lifestyle, stress and emotional challenges. Resolving PMS is a long term commitment. It cannot be dealt with by taking a pill to make the symptoms go away. Long term changes have to take place. Most importantly, these will include adjusting your diet and increasing life enhancing exercises, which involves not just a cardiovascular workout, but also something that allows the body to release tension and stress, meditation, yoga etc.

Although PMS has been the topic of many a male joke over the years, as a medical condition it is quite a complex disorder to work with. It is mainly regarded as quite a complex hormonal balance.

It is even more complicated, from a naturopathic point of view, because naturopaths believe that there are many different systems within the body that need cleansing, balancing and nourishing before hormones can stabilise. This is why dealing with the problem may take quite a number of months and requires commitment. Usually, by the time a woman comes to the clinic to resolve PMS it has actually become quite a problem in her life, and she is more than willing to take whatever steps are necessary to bring balance back into her life.

Embarking on this type of health programme will enrich your life and bring more self awareness of your body and emotions. Over the next two weeks I will be outlining the basics of a PMS programme. I will cover dietary requirements, herbs and supplements, exercise, therapy and general lifestyle indicators for a healthy, happy aging process, without the dreaded monthly torture.

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 091 568 804.

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 091 568 804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091 777 700.

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