Headache, bloating, irritability, binge eating… menstruation announces itself a few days before with much fanfare. That’s the famous premenstrual syndrome. The good news is that there are natural solutions!
A series of unpleasant symptoms
Two to seven days before menstruation, almost 80% of women feel that their breasts are more swollen and tense. They are also more irritable. The most painful sign is a swelling in the lower abdomen, which sometimes leads to severe, but fortunately short-lived pain. It’s like a mini birth. “Premenstrual syndrome is accompanied by mood disorders that can even lead to depression: irritability, anxiety, lack of interest in usual activities, concentration problems, fatigue, sleep problems, decreased libido, etc. They can also be accompanied by physical symptoms: painful tension in the breasts, headaches, sometimes bloating in the digestive system, water retention, etc. These symptoms, which vary greatly from woman to woman, have a significant impact on the quality of life,” explains Dr. D. Bourgonjon, gynecologist, out.
Is it possible to break this vicious circle?
Of course, hormones are the biggest culprits, but a few simple tips can help you during this period. Eat better, revise your diet, avoid alcohol and stimulant drinks, and avoid salt, which makes you retain more water. Exercise regularly throughout the month, 3 to 5 times a week, and you will see an overall improvement. Outdoor exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling is especially recommended. Also choose a sport or activity that helps you manage stress and you reduce anxietysuch as yoga, sophrology, diving or walking!
Fitocycle, comfort during menstruation
Some nutritional supplements can provide women with valuable help in maintaining good comfort before and during their menstruation. One such supplement is Fitocycle from Be-Life.
Fitocycle is based on the advantages from carefully selected plant extractsB vitamins and magnesium.
- monk’s pepper helps maintain comfort before and during menstruation
- ashwagandha helps the body deal with stress and promotes sleep
- Broccoli is rich in glucoraphanin, the precursor of sulforaphane
- vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormone activity
- magnesium contributes to less fatigue and a well-functioning nervous system
2 caps/day, one capsule in the morning and one in the evening with a meal, during the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle
Fitocycle is part of the Daysi range, dedicated to women’s well-being. Available in pharmacies, parapharmacies and organic stores.
Yes! against natural treatment!
There are many plants in the plant kingdom that can help with premenstrual syndrome. They have it huge advantage that they do not cause any unwanted effects. “To rebalance the hormonal system without hormones, the first plant we recommend is the chaste tree”, explains pharmacist Ann Dallemans. “This little shrub, also known as ‘monk’s pepper’, generally grows in Greece and Italy, but has now spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Once the berries are dried, they are crushed and consumed in the form of capsules or infusions. Once used to calm the libido of monks (hence the nickname), it is now used to soothe breast pain and irregular periods by acting on the pituitary gland, which regulates progesterone production. It takes about one or two cycles before you feel the beneficial effect of this plant. I recommend taking it in capsule form and in combination with other plants such as feverfew, lemon balm, saffron, yarrow, etc… for a synergistic effect. Pain can also be soothed by massaging 2 drops of chamomile essential oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil directly onto the abdomen.
“As for homeopathy, I recommend Folliculinum 15 CH for women who complain of premenstrual syndrome and breast pain, Nux Vomica 9 CH for women with mood disorders and Natrum Muriaticum 9 CH for women who gain weight due to water retention,” says Ingrid Theunissen, gynecologist.
An appointment with my gynecologist
The goal of treatment is to correct the hormonal disorders and/or treat the physical and psychological symptoms causing the discomfort. To start with, in addition to a hot water bottle directly on the abdomen to relax the cramped uterine muscles, we occasionally try the standard painkiller, paracetamol, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. If that is not enough, go to your gynecologist to have it checked possibility by endometriosis to close and a personal treatment to choose.
This article was prepared in close collaboration with Be-Life.
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