When that time of the month rolls around PMS symptoms can knock
you off your feet, cancel your plans and essentially ruin your life. Many of
the side-effects were never discussed in 5th grade health class and most people suffer silently, waiting for it to pass.
The curse (as I like to call it) can affect your ability to function
and be productive so over the years I’ve tested several supplements, vitamins
and tinctures to naturally balance hormones and lessen discomfort.
Today’s article features 9 products that may help alleviate cramps, PMS, hormonal imbalance, menorrhagia
(heavy periods), symptoms of endometriosis, fibroids and more.
1. Living Apothecary Well Woman Loose Leaf Tea
($16 - $48)
This herbal tonic is infused with red raspberry, lemon balm
and schisandra chasteberry to nourish the reproductive system. It helps balance
hormones before and after your period which may treat PMS symptoms, irregular
cycles, cramps, acne, irritability and stress.
I use this blend every month and it definitely helps with hormonal issues during and after my period. The tea is available online at
shoplivingapothecary.com
2. EstroSmart ($38 - $46.99)
If you need long lasting results to regulate your body the
entire month and improve reproductive health, EstroSmart is incredible. It helps
women coping with hormonal imbalance, acne, painful menstruation and PMS symptoms.
This is a natural supplement that balances estrogen and progesterone levels to halt abnormal cell
growth including fibroids, cysts and endometriosis. It also helps maintain a
healthy cervix and prevents HPV, cervical cancer, irregular periods, breast
pain, backaches and more.
You may have to adjust the dosage to suit your needs (the recommended
number of daily capsules was way more than I needed). You might also have to hold your
nose when swallowing because the pills smell a bit like mothballs.
Estrosmart is sold at health food stores, drugstores and online at
smartsolutions.com
3. Traditional
Medicinals Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea ($4.49 per box)
Red Raspberry Leaf is a natural treatment that has been used
to help women cope with pregnancy and the pain of childbirth for thousands of
years. It is commonly referred to as “the women’s herb.”
This powerful uterine tonic eases cramps, lessens heavy
bleeding, balances mood, regulates your menstrual cycle, balances hormones, relieves
adrenal fatigue, prevents acne, reduces inflammation and tones the uterus.
You can drink red raspberry tea daily to help with hormonal imbalance
or start your herbal regiment a few days before your period and drink it
throughout to manage pain.
4. Traditional Medicinals
Organic Healthy Cycle Tea ($5.79 per box)
To promote a healthy cycle with lighter, shorter periods, Traditional Medicinals also makes a tea specifically formulated to regulate your cycle and alleviate cramps. It contains a blend of
raspberry leaf extract, licorice root, stinging nettle leaf, dandelion leaf,
spearmint, rose hip, verbena, lemon grass, ginger and chamomile.
For best results I drink a cup in the morning with breakfast and drink the Red Raspberry Leaf Tea at night.
I have not been able to find Healthy Cycle at local health food
stores in the GTA/Southern Ontario but it is currently available at
ca.iherb.com.
5. Probiotics
Hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle are influenced
by your gut so taking a daily probiotic can diminish abdominal discomfort, gas,
diarrhea, cramps and bloating with the added benefit of preventing colds and
yeast infections.
I’ve tried several popular brands but my favorite is Koena
which contains 30 billion CFU (colony forming units of active microorganism)
that support gastrointestinal health and promote healthy gut flora. I also use
it while traveling to prevent and treat food poisoning and it helps boost the
immune system.
Koena is available at drugstores and health food stores nationwide.
6. Iron Supplement
Those who experience heavy periods are susceptible to iron deficiency
due to blood loss. Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, weakness and
brittle nails. Taking an iron supplement may boost energy and ease cramping.
I recommend My Kind Organics Plant Iron & Organic
Herbs ($22.99) - a vegan, gluten-free liquid formula. Along
with iron it contains Vitamins C, B6, B12, ashwagandha and over 31 fruits, vegetables,
sprouts, seeds and roots.
7. Salonpas Pain Relieving Hot Gel-Patch
($5.98 - $17.06)
These patches
work wonders to help cope with the aches and pains of PMS. They are much more convenient than a hot water bottle or electric
heating pad because you can wear them under your clothes and go about your day.
The larger patches are great for lower back pain and uterine
cramps. Simply peel off the film and stick the pad on dry skin (don’t apply body
lotion on the area as it will reduce adhesion). The patches provide a warm, soothing
sensation for up to 8 hours! When applied to the base of the skull and neck, the
smaller patches help relieve migraines.
My husband uses them to ease his chronic back and joint pain. They may also relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, sciatica, sore muscles and stiffness.
Salonpas is sold at drugstores nationwide including Walmart.
8. Advil
Painkillers may be a temporary fix but they can effectively dull your symptoms and reduce bleeding. With Advil
(regular, extra strength or liquid gel) I usually only need one pill a day and they are particularly useful at night when I need to rest. I only take painkillers as a last resort - when I don't have the herbal teas mentioned above.
9. Egyptian Magic ($31 - $48)
Recently I discovered that it also soothes and treats sore nipples and tender breasts (sometimes withing minutes!). Egyptian Magic is sold at
egyptianmagic.ca. Use coupon code
NCYH7RDH for $5 off.
Disclaimer: This
information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or
treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking
any medication or supplements.