A woman is one of God’s finest and most intricately designed creations. Her bodily mechanisms are designed to meet the needs of the complex functioning and one of the functions is “creation”. Periodic upheavals of hormones help achieve the above. In most women the hormonal changes take place so subtly that it goes unnoticed, however in others it creates havoc in their lives.

The ever genuflecting personality suddenly starts reacting in an agitated state and the people around are left clueless as to the cause of this behavior. Seemingly trifling circumstances and events evoke an exaggerated response in these women. Over a period of time these patterns tend to get established.

Why does it occur?

PMS or PMT is a symptom complex which occurs 7-14 days prior to menses and resolves spontaneously after menses frequently in middle aged women. The exact cause of PMS is not known, however it is seen to be a result of multiple biochemical abnormalities. A surge in estrogen or deficit of progesterone (commonly known as the female hormones), and pyridoxine deficiency are seen to be potential contributors to this. It is not very clear whether PMS is an abnormal response to normal hormonal fluctuations or a result of hormonal abnormalities. Ovarian hormones are also seen to play a role in PMS as women who have undergone hysterectomy are also seen to suffer from PMS.

Identifying PMS

The classical symptoms of PMS include increasing breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue, emotional liability, crying spells, sadness, social withdrawal, acne, mood swings, depression, irritability fluid retention and weight gain. As menstruation approaches, psychological abnormalities like irritability and hostility increase. There is an increased craving for sweet foods. The emotional outbursts are often the cause for seeking medical help. A small number of women have disabling symptoms every month; such women would need cognitive behavioral therapy.

Illnesses like hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome are known to mimic PMS.

How Can We Help?

• For those with mood swings, and emotional vulnerability, constant reassurance by family members and counseling helps ease out the psychological issues.
• Salt and fluid restriction helps reduce bloatedness, fluid retention and weight gain.
• Reducing the intake of caffeine, carbonated drinks and eating a healthy balanced diet consisting of a large amount of fruits improves overall health.
• Supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B-6 , calcium and magnesium help.

How Homoeopathy Helps

Homoeopathy offers a comprehensive treatment to patients of PMS. The process of case taking in Homoeopathy serves as a measure of venting out the built up emotions. The dynamited medicines which are carefully selected through the process of Individualization of each patient, help channelize our expressions to the world around us. This process frees us from the emotional turmoil that our inner being undergoes during the process of growing up. Unresolved emotional conflicts, unpleasant childhood experiences etc; all tend to come to the forefront during the period of PMS. Acceptance of state of mind and being aware of our surroundings initiates and sensitizes us to evolve a appropriate behavioral change which helps us sail through this tide of PMS.

BY,
Dr. Anjali Chodnekar
Professor, Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy,
JIMS Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital