DIAGNOSIS: How can PMS be diagnosed?

The diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome is usually made by the gynecologist. In a detailed conversation, the gynecologist asks many questions about the symptoms and when they occur. It is helpful for the diagnosis if the person affected keeps a complaint diary in which they record when they have their period and when which symptoms occur. The diagnosis always includes a laboratory examination, as the inflammation markers may be elevated during the complaints and the laboratory can also be used to exclude other possible diagnoses.

THERAPY: What helps with PMS symptoms?

At first, an attempt is usually made to get the symptoms under control with relaxation exercises, exercise and a balanced diet. If this attempt fails, there is the possibility of hormonal treatment. Hormonal contraceptives are used to prevent ovulation and provide the body with a constant hormone dose.

In this way, the hormone fluctuations that are often the cause of ovulation can be prevented and the symptoms should decrease. In this case, the pill should be taken permanently and without a break. For certain symptoms, medication can also be used directly.

Commercially available painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help to relieve the pain. However, if there is heavy bleeding, aspirin should be avoided, as this weakens the body’s own haemostasis. Diuretics can be prescribed for water retention.

A combination therapy of psychotherapy and medication is usually used to combat depressive moods. Mood-lifting agents such as sertraline or citalopram can be used. However, this is only used if the symptoms cannot be combated in any other way, as these preparations are associated with many side effects.

Natural St. John’s wort also helps against mild depressive moods. The first attempts at therapy for premenstrual syndrome can be made completely without medication. Relaxation exercises, such as yoga exercises, and regular exercise can alleviate the symptoms in some sufferers.

A balanced diet can also alleviate premenstrual syndrome. Chocolate, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided and salt should also be consumed less. The intake of magnesium, as a dietary supplement, is said to alleviate the abdominal cramps.

Certain oils, for example linseed oil and borage seed oil, are said to provide a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids and thus gently and naturally dissolve the lining of the uterus. The grape silver candle is said to work against mood swings and sleep disorders. Monk’s pepper is said to help especially with depressive moods and listlessness in the premenstrual syndrome and is also said to work against pain and breast tension.

Ginger is also said to relieve pain and normalize the cycle both in the premenstrual phase and during menstruation. Especially the psychological problems of premenstrual syndrome can be treated with alternative medicine. There are various homeopathic remedies available.

Sepia D12 is said to be effective against mood swings and depressive moods and also to alleviate headaches and breast tension. Pulsatilla D12 is said to absorb the sad mood and wine attacks and reduce headaches and back pain. Lachesis D12 is also said to be effective against over-stimulation and aggression.

Depressions and loss of libido should be calmed with Chloratum D12. Nux Vomica D12 is said to have an effect against chest pain and abdominal cramps. Monk’s Pepper belongs to the verbena plants and has its name because it is said to reduce the sex drive in monks.

Nowadays, monk’s wort is used because it has a regulating effect on female hormones and thus can relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Studies on the effectiveness of monk’s pepper have not yet been conducted.Breastfeeding women should not take Monk’s Pepper because the hormone prolactin is inhibited and thus milk production is restricted. You can find more information here: The Monk’s Pepper.