PMS is a disorder or syndrome affecting many women during the 1 to 2 weeks prior to menstruation. A syndrome is a combination of ailments or symptoms, and in the case of PMS can include any (or all) of the following: skin breakouts/acne; bloating; anxiety, irritability and anger; depression, confusion and mood swings; water retention; weight gain; breast tenderness; insomnia; headaches; fatigue and lethargy; cramps, and carbohydrate cravings.

It is thought that PMS affects up to 80% of all women at some stage during their life. A small percentage of women who suffer from PMS report severely debilitating symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. There can be many causes of PMS, including hormonal imbalance (excess oestrogen and insufficient progesterone), poor diet, unstable blood sugar levels, vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, and poor metabolism of fatty acids. Due to the fact that there are many and varied causes of PMS, there is no clear-cut answer or treatment that is applicable to every woman. It may be beneficial to make lifestyle and dietary changes such as avoiding or reducing caffeine, alcohol, smoking, dairy products and refined sugar, and increasing fresh juices, fish and fish oils, and regular exercise. Try and eat plenty of fresh foods including fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Eating high protein snacks between meals will help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce sugar cravings.

Highly beneficial herbs and supplements to include in your daily regime are:

Flax Seed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil to relieve symptoms and promote proper glandular and hormonal function.

Calcium and Magnesium are often deficient in women who suffer from PMS. Help reduce anxiety, tension and muscle cramps. Should be taken together for proper uptake and utilisation.

SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) aids in prevention of depression (not to be taken with prescription antidepressants or St John's wort).

Chromium picolinate assists in proper glucose utilisation and the stabilising of blood sugar levels.

Phenylalanine may be useful for the treatment of headaches and reducing pain (not to be taken if you suffer from diabetes, panic attacks, hypertension or PKU unless under medical supervision).

L-Tyrosine can assist in reducing headache, anxiety and depression in some women.

Homoeopathic DHEA and Melatonin may prove useful in reducing PMS symptoms such as insomnia and hormonal imbalance.

Vitamin B6 helps to reduce water retention (oedema) and helps to normalise oestrogen levels. B vitamins work best when taken together and so B6 should be taken with a B complex.

Women who suffer from heavy menstruation may require Iron supplementation to prevent iron deficiency anaemia.

The herbs Red Raspberry Leaf and Cramp Bark help to prevent spasms and provide relief from cramps. Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, Dong Quai, Chaste Tree, False Unicorn root and Sarsaparilla root are all herbs that have hormone-balancing properties and are very effective in providing relief of the symptoms of PMS. These, and other, herbs are often available in specially formulated women's formulas specifically for the treatment of hormonal imbalance and PMS.

St Mary's Thistle (Milk Thistle) is an excellent herb for improving liver function and therefore improving the liver's ability to remove excess oestrogen from the blood. Best results are seen when Milk Thistle is taken daily for at least 3 months.

St John's Wort is an wonderful herb for combating depression associated with PMS.

Lecithin assists in the metabolism of fatty acids in the body, such as those from Fish Oils, Evening Primrose Oil and Flax Seed Oil.

There are many things that can be done for PMS and its associated symptoms. Fortunately, we don't have to live with the uncomfortable, painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms of this common condition.