| updated 25 JULY 2024
Content
Almost every woman knows premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its symptoms. However, the exact cause of PMS is not yet known. Many scientists believe that the syndrome is related to a change in the level of sex hormones. However, when this condition manifests itself in women, its consequences are often felt by those around them. It can affect emotions or cause physical suffering.
So, if a woman throws a plate in anger during the luteal phase, i.e. the phase when premenstrual syndrome appears, it is possible that the change in sex hormones in her body is to blame. Estrogen and progesterone levels increase and this leads to symptoms in the form of mood swings, anxiety or irritability.
But PMS can also affect physical health in the form of headaches , breast tenderness , or even add pounds or a few rashes on the face. These conditions are the most common in the syndrome and affect 90% of menstruating women. Awareness of this syndrome and regular observation of pre-menstrual behavior can often help women understand the symptoms of PMS and thus stop blaming the psychological aspect for it. With the arrival of menstruation, the symptoms usually subside, but it happens that they persist even three days after it starts.
However, sometimes there is also a calm before the storm, i.e. a period without PMS symptoms. In the worst case, a storm called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) strikes again. It is a similar condition that manifests itself at the same time as PMS, but PMDD causes more severe symptoms that even cause severe depression, persistent irritability, inability to control oneself, or sudden overeating.
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It is important to remember that every woman is specific and experiences premenstrual syndromes in her own unique way. It is therefore correct to pay attention to a sufficient supply of vitamins, which are especially necessary for the female body during this period. These are vitamins such as B6, E, Magnesium and Calcium. Avoiding sugar, alcohol, red meat and soy products can also minimize premenstrual symptoms. On the contrary, eating fresh food in the form of spinach or other leafy vegetables is more than just beneficial for the body. However, one should not forget about movement in nature or other sports activities. |
Factors contributing to PMS
Cyclical hormonal changes: PMS symptoms change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear during pregnancy and menopause.
Chemical changes in the brain: Fluctuations in serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation, can trigger PMS symptoms. A lack of serotonin can contribute to premenstrual depression, fatigue, food cravings, and sleep problems.
Depression: Some women with severe PMS have undiagnosed depression, but that alone does not cause all the symptoms of PMS.
Symptoms of PMS
The most common symptoms of PMS include:
- Headache and migraine
- Breast pain and tenderness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Inflating andretaining water
- Abdominal pain and cramps
PMS and aromatherapy
Aromatherapy and essential oils can also help with premenstrual syndrome. Aromatherapy with essential oils allows many women to live these days partially normally and calm the body and mind . With PMS, we reach for oils designed for individual symptoms of this syndrome, as every woman has different symptoms and experiences PMS in her own way. An aromatherapist can create a tailor-made plan that includes precise dosing of essential oils and their use by applying them directly to the skin or using an aroma diffuser for aromatherapy in the form of inhalation. Essential oils with a high content of linalool and linalyl, such as sage or lavender essential oil, are particularly effective.
Essential oils and their effects in PMS and painful menstruation
Anger/aggression
Female hormones can affect mood to such an extent that anger can culminate in aggression. It is good to usebergamot oil for such conditions. A 2011 study published in Phytotherapy Research shows that bergamot essential oil can help reduce anxiety and stress on a biochemical level. Another helper that regulates the balance of hormone levels is sage . Sage oil stimulates nerve impulses, helps with bloating, menstrual cramps and mood swings.
Crying/depression
It is known that women are often hypersensitive before and during menstruation. They feel helpless and sad. Geranium oil can induce feelings of happiness with a few drops, even during this tearful period. It induces a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Geranium also helps to relax the aching body and, most importantly, it has antidepressant effects. Grapefruit oil , on the other hand, relieves the appetite with its calming effects.
| Sage and lavender essential oil are most commonly used for menstrual cramps. We can effectively relieve pain with a pleasant massage on the lower abdomen, lower back and acupuncture points on the inside of the feet between the ankle and the heel. |
Apathy/fatigue
The condition before and during menstruation can also look like this. Any desire to do anything disappears and fatigue sets in. An excellent alternative against such a condition is peppermint oil . It strengthens the nervous system and improves mood, thus helping us overcome apathy. It also clears the mind. Let's add uplifting lemon oil , which will increase concentration.
Bloating/physical discomfort
During PMS, women are capable of mixing together the strangest food combinations. It is no wonder that many suffer from bloating or abdominal pain. Juniper oil supports digestion and thus has an effective effect against bloating. It even has detoxifying effects. Rosemary oil is also an excellent choice for supporting and regulating menstruation . It neutralizes microbes and increases absorption in the intestines.
Conclusion
PMS can really make women suffer, but essential oils offer a natural solution to alleviate the symptoms. If you're looking for relief, try one of the oils listed in this article and discover what works best for you. Be sure to consult an aromatherapy professional to ensure safe and effective use of essential oils.
