PMS is nervous tension, irritability, weight gain, fluid buildup, headache and sore breasts that occur each month in the days just before the start of menstruation. There are several ideas on the cause for the condition. They include poor eating, stress, and hormones getting out of balance.

It is estimated that 50% of the pre-menopausal menstruating female population experiences premenstrual syndrome. The pre-menstrual syndrome is a recurrent (monthly) disorder characterized by physical and emotional upsets for some days before the onset of menstruation. PMS symptoms are: fluid retention, distended stomach, tender breasts, weight gain, constipation, insomnia, headaches and mood swings. In an attempt to bring some order to the clinically and metabolically confusing picture of PMS, Dr. Guy Abraham has subdivided PMS into four distinct subgroups according to specific symptoms and hormonal patterns.

Imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This may only be to a subtle degree, but it is enough to produce PMS. It is this deficiency of female hormones that is the basic cause of all the physical and mental symptoms associated with PMS.

The secretion of estrogen and progesterone is under the control of the pituitary gland. The pituitary is influenced by the hypothalamus which responds to stress and other psychological disturbances. This helps explain why PMS can vary from month to month.

According to Abraham, PMS sufferers consume 62% more refined carbohydrates, 275% more refined sugar, 70% more dairy products, 78% more sodium, 53% less iron, 77% less manganese and 52% less zinc. PMS patients given a multivitamin and mineral supplement containing high doses of magnesium and pyriodixine in an uncontrolled study showed a 70% reduction in premenstrual symptoms.

Various essential oils and aromatherapy techniques are very successful in reducing the severity of PMS and sometimes overcoming it, though for maximum benefit it is important to combine aromatherapy with a nutritional approach.

Allowing confusion to reign. Giving power to outside influences. Rejection of the feminine processes. Inability to speak one’s mind, uncontrolled emotions.

The Mosby Medical Encyclopedia, Revised Edition

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia