PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

(PMS) Painful Period

Painful cramps and menstruation

pms-painful-period

The Story

My daughter Melissa is a particularly strong woman because of her Downs Syndrome. But my heart went out to her every month when she suffered so badly from her particularly heavy periods. At that time, her symptoms were so bad that she had to resort to painkillers or antispasmodic medication to be able to get through her day. Neither she, nor I as her mother, wanted her to be dependent on medication on a regular basis, so we looked for another, more natural way of getting her symptoms under control. When the Nutrifem P-M-S Formula® appeared on the market, Melissa and I decided to give the product a try.

The Journey

The composition of Nutrifem P-M-S Formula®, with all its different micro and plant-based nutrients, was perfect for Melissa. The vitamin B6 that it contains not only helps her to regulate her hormone activity, but also supports normal mental function and the nervous system. As a heart patient, Pycnogenol® is also good for Melissa as it promotes the microcirculation in the capillaries and supports blood circulation. We were highly intrigued by the monk’s pepper that it contains as well, which is thought to support physiological well-being during the menstrual cycle. Melissa began taking the Nutrifem P-M-S Formula® not only in her acute phases but also on a regular basis.

The Success

Hardly had Melissa started with the Nutrifem P-M-S Formula® than her severe period pains became easier. In fact, the improvement was so good that she no longer needed to take painkillers – which was unbelievable when you consider the state she had been in previously during her periods. Moreover, we noticed that Melissa’s skin wasn’t nearly so dry – which was a really positive side effect. After she had been taking it over a long period of time, she found that one dose of the preparation every month was enough. However, Melissa is extremely keen that there should always be a dose of Nutrifem P-M-S Formula® at home – otherwise the cry goes out: “Mum, please get some more now!”

Lifestyle Changes

Due to the high levels of progesterone in the blood, constant hunger and cravings are triggered. Also, serotonin levels fall before a period starts, so that the body is looking for compensation, which it usually finds in chocolate and snacks. However, the effect of these “rewards” is short lived so the cravings begin again anew. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to give up chocolate or snacks. But do try to fill up on fresh fruit and vegetables, high-value proteins, whole grains, and fibre before you reach for the chocolate. This will be less disrupting for your blood glucose. Try to avoid alcohol before and during your period. Alcohol can make period pains and cramps worse and dehydrates the body.

Health Management Plan

The Scientific Assessment

By Lisa Ressi

PMS occurs after ovulation in the second phase of the cycle and lasts from a few days to two weeks. The physical symptoms include pronounced fatigue, signs of exhaustion, lethargy, abdominal cramps, irritability and lots more. Vitamin B6 has been used successfully to combat painful periods and in particular moodiness and depression in the premenstrual phase. For plant extracts such as ginkgo, ashwaganda and Pycnogenol®, the positive effect on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome has been proven.

Recommended Action

Micronutrients

  • B-Complex

    All vitamins of the B-complex

  • Vitamin D

    Vitamin D3

  • Plant Extracts

    Pycnogenol, Monk's Pepper, Ginkgo