Combat the Premenstrual Curse

Most women have experienced the awful symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome at some point in their lives and it can quite simply be hell on earth for those who suffer regularly. Symptoms range from extreme tiredness, aching muscles and joints, fluid retention and intense emotional outbursts. It affects about 85% of the female population, so if you are a sufferer, rest assured you are in good company. PMS has far reaching affects, it doesn't simply change the emotional and physical aspects of the sufferer, and it affects the whole family and those who are in the direct firing line.

It can turn intelligent, hardworking wives and mothers into raging, depressed women where tears, tantrums and intense mood swings suddenly become the norm. Psychologically the impact on the woman is huge; PMS has the ability to totally annihilate the woman's emotions with increased tearfulness and depressing physical problems such as bloating.

Sufferers alternate between anger and guilt as they struggle to control their often swift and dramatic mood swings, yet the weight of helplessness and guilt takes its toll as the family unit can begin to fall apart under the stress. PMS affects the everyday operation of the family unit and the sufferer's life can go spiralling out of control in the weeks leading up to their period.

Research has indicated that women do seem to accept the blame for what is actually a recognised medical condition and they feel that due to their inability to control their PMS, that their lives and those around them are totally ruined.

Current research trends though indicate that having a positive and optimistic approach to life in general may actually help alleviate these devastating effects. This is because optimistic thoughts may help the sufferer to put the condition into perspective. This means making the most of the times when PMS is not apparent and realising that the good times outweigh the bad. It may not be easy to change an existing mind-set but with continued practise, negative thought patterns can become a thing of the past.

Women can learn more about PMS and with increased knowledge comes understanding and increased control and by incorporating the following guidelines, it should help them to feel more in control.

• Eradicate feelings of guilt. It is a medical condition and they are not to blame.
• Enjoy the weeks when they are not affected by PMS.
• See that there are more good times than bad times.
• See PMS as only one aspect of their life
• Explain to loved ones how they can help and this will be different with each sufferer.
• Introduce a diary so that times and occurrences can be monitored. By building up a clearer picture of the PMS pattern, women can understand what is happening to them and how they can work with their minds and bodies instead of fighting against it.

Vitamins and Minerals

It is worth reading up on the different functions of vitamins and minerals such as Evening Primrose oil, Magnesium and Seratonin. These have been found to help many people suffering with PMS.

Meditation

Regular practise of meditation techniques can help to quieten the mind, and control the erratic thought patterns that tend to accompany PMS. It is also excellent for helping to develop positive thinking and eradicate negative thought processes.