It is a common misconception by many women that period pain and PMS are just something that they have to put up with and they can’t do anything about.  This is not so!  There are many things we can do to help balance hormones, reduce uterine cramping and ovulation pain, and reduce PMS symptoms.

Most hormonal symptoms such as period pain and PMS are due to an imbalance of hormones, as are more severe issues such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome too.  Herbal medicine is absolutely brilliant at bringing the hormones into balance, regulating the length of the hormonal cycle, reducing pain and reducing PMS symptoms.

The two most important nutrients in  helping with hormonal imbalance are fish oil and B vitamins.  Magnesium is also very useful for period pain as it acts as an antispasmodic.  There are also specific herbs we use for this, such as the aptly named Crampbark.

Diet is also very important always, and balancing blood sugar levels by ensuring there is protein with every meal and eating protein-rich snacks rather than sugary ones is helpful.  Most people notice a reduction in their period pain when they reduce their caffeine intake.

Many of my clients who use the menstrual cup, rather than pads or tampons, report a big change for the better in their period symptoms.  It is also better for the environment.