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?

I started to discuss this topic last week. In this second part, I will discuss some other complementary approaches.

Monthly symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can become a curse for many women. Although there are many complementary approaches that can help resolve symptoms, it is important to discover the cause of the problem. Once this has been established, it is possible to go through a series of programmes that focus on cleansing, strengthening and nourishing vital organs.

A general unhealthy lifestyle accompanied by a bad diet, insufficient nutrition and lack of exercise can put a lot of pressure on vital organs and systems in the body, such as the liver, digestive system and lymphatic system. When the body gets clogged with toxins, it cannot do its job properly and symptoms of imbalance begin to become evident more frequently. Prolonged premenstrual tension is a sign that you need to start taking care of your body better.

Keeping a diary to chart your symptoms can help in the initial stages to try to establish a pattern to the symptoms, or to establish triggers, such as certain types of food or stresses. Obviously, a good start to any new health programme is to take heed of the diary and completely avoid anything that may trigger or exacerbate symptoms.

Introducing a healthy diet full of vegetables will definitely help reduce the severity of the problem. Cauliflower and cabbage are particularly good vegetables for PMS. Eat plenty of lentils, beans, olive oil, flax seed oil, nuts and seeds. Make sure your diet includes foods rich in vitamin B6 and B12, Omega 3, vitamin D, magnesium, calcium and zinc. There are multivitamin and mineral supplements available especially for PMS.

Your herbalist or naturopath may recommend some herbs. Depending on symptoms, herbs commonly used for PMS include: agnus castus, wild yam, camomile, ginger, rosemary, and St John's Wort (under supervision from your GP). Some women suffer from migraine during or before PMS. The herb Feverfew will often resolve this problem. Peppermint or strawberry leaf can help stabilise mood swings.

Drink plenty of water. Sometimes distilled water is recommended. Reduce salt, red meat, junk or fast food. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. It is also important to rule out problems like yeast infections, candida or allergies.

If you find yourself with sugar cravings and a ravenous appetite, eat complex carbohydrates, drink plenty of carrot juice, and eat pieces of fruit every two to three hours and before meals. Avoid missing meals as this is not just unhealthy, it also disrupts the body's blood sugar levels.

Medical acupuncture is extremely successful with PMS. It can work on the serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Next week I will take a look at the different types of therapies and exercise that are useful for PMS.

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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