I've seen lists of PMS symptoms that include dozens of complaints, but the most common symptoms include several or all of the following: bloating, weight gain, headache, backaches, irritability, depression, breast swelling or tenderness, loss of libido, and fatigue. Do these symptoms sound familiar? They are also the symptoms of estrogen dominance.

But the full range of symptoms includes confusion, disorientation, intemperate judgments, and decision making, moods swings, body aches, anger and verbal abuse, lethargy alternating with increased energy, alienation, guilt (at having your abused friends), lack of self-esteem, and cravings for sweets especially chocolate. Further, every system in the body can be affected: immune, digestive, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, and dermotologic (skin). Victims of PMS my experience any combination of the above and with all degrees of severity, from mild to overwhelming.

There are two important realities to understand about PMS. They are:

1. YES, it is real.

2. NO, you are not crazy.

The Role of Progesterone

More than a decade ago, after reading the work of Dr. Katherine Dalton in London, who defined PMS and found success using high-dose progesterone administered as rectal suppositories, many doctors decided to utilize natural progesterone cream in the treatment of their patients with PMS. The results were most impressive. The majority (but not all) of those patients reported remarkable improvements in their symptoms, including the elimination of their premenstrual water retention and weight gain. We have received hundreds of phone calls and letters from women and their doctors over the past few years who repot that PMS has been alleviated with the use of natural progesterone. Dr. Joel T. Hargrove of Vanderbilt University Medical Center has published results indicating a 90 percent success rate in treating PMS with natural progesterone.

Many women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) after ovulation and are frequently relieved when the next menstrual cycle begins. Specific problems—cramping, bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness—may vary from woman to woman.

Dietary changes that may be helpful:

Women who eat more sugary foods appear to have an increased risk of PMS. Alcohol can effect hormone metabolism, and alcoholic women are more likely to suffer PMS. Tea consumption in China is strongly related to PMS. The same is true for coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages in the U.S. The more coffee women drink, the higher their risk. Therefore, many nutritionally oriented doctors recommend that women with PMS avoid sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:

It is well known that many women athletes do not menstruate. Exercise actually changes the way a woman's body metabolizes and eliminates estrogen, which seems to have dominance in women with PMS problems. After thirty days of regular, not necessarily strenuous, exercise, most women report a significant lessening of their symptoms. Nutritionally oriented doctors frequently recommend regular exercise as a way to reduce symptoms.

Herbs that may be helpful:

Wild Yam has a centuries long and worldwide history for its use in treating 'women's complaints'. Everywhere in the world where the yams grow, tribal medicine people have found it to be helpful in relieving cramps, mood swings, etc. The July 1992 National Geographic, in fact, contained a report of life on the Trobriand Islands (a small island group of SE New Guinea) where tribal diets are dedicated to the yam with other vegetables, and fish. The generally slim and happy people enjoy wonderful health (except for infectious diseases, like malaria), with a vigorous sexual life and (strangely, to the authors) fewer children than might be expected. The Islanders regard their life as idyllic, as do the occasional visitors. Of course National Geographic was not doing a story on herbal medicine, but the November issue contained several letters to the editor, explaining that the yams contained the sterol, diosgenin, with progesterone-like effects which accounts for the Trobriand Islander's idyllic, high energy lifestyle and low birth rate. Note: There are over 110 identified species of wild yams, some more potent in steroidal saponins than others and they yams commonly found in grocery stores in the US have little, if any, value hormonally.  Additionally, the best results have been obtained applying wild yam topically, in cream form, since stomach acids and enzymes tend to degrade the hormonal qualities of the yam before it gets into the system.  Orally, much higher amounts would have to be ingested.  See related products

Vitex has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This is important because some women will suffer from PMS and other menstrual irregularities due to underproduction of the hormone progesterone during the second half of their cycle. Vitex stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone, and this leads to greater production of progesterone. Studies have shown that using vitex over a period of several months will help normalize hormone balance and alleviate the symptoms of PMS. Use 20 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract three times a day, or the capsule of the equivalent dried, powdered extract with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least four cycles to determine efficacy. has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This is important because some women will suffer from PMS and other menstrual irregularities due to underproduction of the hormone progesterone during the second half of their cycle. Vitex stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone, and this leads to greater production of progesterone. Studies have shown that using vitex over a period of several months will help normalize hormone balance and alleviate the symptoms of PMS. Use 20 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract three times a day, or the capsule of the equivalent dried, powdered extract with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least four cycles to determine efficacy.

DonQuai (Angelica sinensis), in traditional Chinese medicine, is often referred to as the "female ginseng." DonQuai helps promote normal hormone balance and is particularly useful for women experiencing premenstrual cramping and pain. Many women take 2-3 grams of Dong quai capsules or tablets per day.

False Unicorn Root, used as medicine,  is based in Native American tradition, where it was recommended for a large number of women’s health conditions, including lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), painful menstruation, and other irregularities of menstruation, as well as to prevent miscarriages. Steroidal saponins are generally credited with providing false unicorn root’s activity. Modern investigations have not confirmed this, and there is no research yet about the medical applications of this herb.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Are there any side effects or interactions? Wild Yam has no reported side effects except an occasional personal allergy to the herb, which occurs in less than 1% of women taking wild yam.  Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching has been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It should not be taken together with synthetic hormone therapy. DonQuai may cause some fair-skinned persons to become more sensitive to sunlight. Persons using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. DonQuai is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. No adverse effects have been reported with the use of false unicorn. Its long history of use in pregnant women suggests it may be safe for these individuals, but no studies have confirmed or denied it.