PMS: That's all of us, at least once a month! As many as
80% of American women suffer from one or more symptoms of PMS. Some male members of our society would have us believe
it's all in our imaginations, but a new theory connects low levels of Serotonin (a natural brain chemical) with
PMS symptoms.
Before you rush to call your doctor and demand whichever
drug increases Serotonin, let me explain a little more.
Serotonin is a chemical that your brain produces from L-tryptophane,
an essential amino acid found in many foods. For reasons unclear, some people don't produce enough, which creates
an abnormal sleep cycle associated with the emotional symptoms of PMS.
OK, so that's the emotional-now for the physical. Serotonin
helps regulate menstrual hormones. Low Serotonin levels may cause early ovulation and an imbalance of estrogen
and progesterone, which are physical symptoms associated with PMS.
You can see what a complex process this is and what a delicate
balance of hormones this entails. In October, I attended a workshop at UCLA called "Emotion: well-being through
the lifecycle," given by Evelyn G. Kohan, Ph.D.
In her lecture, Dr. Kohan listed all of the reasons supporting
the theory that a woman should medicate herself to relieve PMS. After listening for a while, I began to feel like
a Stepford wife.
When I reflect on my own topsy-turvy, full-to-overflowing
life and how I lose one week a month to misery, I realized how PMS has become even more intolerable since I turned
40.
Indeed, Dr. Kohan was probably right. I am ready for my "Selective
Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors," (SSRIs) otherwise known throughout the trade as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and
Luvox. These anti-depressants are now also used in small (generally one week a month) to elevate Serotonin.
So, why not? I ask myself. I'm not a normally depressed person.
I don't want to take pills all month long, so I guess one week out of four isn't bad. Everybody will benefit...at
work and at home. I'll be more productive. I won't need that corner in my closet for my "fat clothes."
I'll call it my Mother's Little Helper.
Stop right there!!! are you crazy?? See how easy it is to give your power away to chemicals!!! But know this, there
is always a huge price to pay anytime you alter hormones with chemicals. YOU GET FAT and it won't go away, no matter
how hard you exercise or diet. Remember this is a question of hormonal imbalance, too much estrogen and not enough
progesterone.
So lets start by using wild yam cream, a precursor to progesterone
and very, very helpful to so many women, including me! By putting all of the basic nutrients in your body on a
daily basis, depression can be avoided or reversed.
So we will start with G. L. A. found in evening primrose
oil, an essential fatty acid for proper glandular function. Now a calcium / magnesium combo of at least 1000mgs
each for cramping, backache, and nervousness. Next a B complex for reducing stress on the adrenal glands. Lastly,
vitamin E for sore breasts and all the rest of the P. M. S. symptoms. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. Forget
salt, red meat, processed or junk food, alcohol and caffeine at least one week before the onset of your period,
if not all the time.
You know nature heals, it just needs a helping hand. So lets
try all the natural stuff first, it may be annoying to do so much but it is by far the best thing for your longevity
and quality of life. Nutrition is a science in it's infancy but knowledge will enhance your well being and enable
you to survive in a time filled with health hazards. Lastly and by far bestly, always remember exercise is the
best cure for everything.
Yours in health, Angie.
