Who would have thought that 3 little letters could cause such dread? PMS, or Premenstrual syndrome, is the name for the symptoms women experience before their period. It wreaks havoc on your hormones and can turn even the most peaceful of people into a moody monster. Fortunately, there are natural remedies for PMS that can help you keep your cool.
How PMS affects mood
In our research, we found that 90% of women experience changes in their moods and emotions during their cycles. This might not come as a surprise to you if you’ve ever cried over a rom-com or eaten a whole tub of ice cream when it’s your time of the month, but what is happening to your body to have this effect?
The symptoms of PMS are due to hormonal fluctuations that have physical and emotional consequences. The two main players are estragon and progesterone, but they have a knock-on effect on serotonin – the happiness hormone.
And that, ladies, is why you’re crying at Bridget Jones’ Diary again.
It’s important to note that sometimes PMS can be so severe it’s considered a type of depression known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If you aren’t able to manage PMS with natural remedies and it’s getting in the way of your health and daily life, you should book an appointment with a doctor.
Restore Balance with Tisserand Aromatherapy
Here at Tisserand Aromatherapy, we created a new and unique blend to support women feeling out of whack. Our Restore Balance collection centres around three essential oils to help ease changes in mood through the body’s natural cycles and life stages
- Geranium to ease emotional turmoil
- Rose to release tension
- Clary Sage to revive and relax the mind
When PMS is too much, you can use this blend in the bath, shower, your body, or bedroom to feel more like your usual self.
5 Natural remedies for PMS mood swings
30 minutes of movement
We know exercise is the last thing you want to do when you’re PMSing. But we promise, if you can just commit to 30 minutes of movement, such as brisk walking or active yoga, it can help lift your mood and beat fatigue.
Progressive muscle relaxation
This meditative practice is an effective way to connect with your body, acknowledge how you’re feeling, and release any tension. It involves working up the body, tensing and tightening one muscle group at a time, followed by relaxing and releasing.
Studies have found the technique works for easing the symptoms of PMS, especially in combination with other relaxation techniques. Why not begin by treating your body to a massage with the Restore Balance body oil?
Be a queen of the (complex) carbs
It’s the advice we’ve all dreamed of hearing: eat more carbs! Research has shown that consuming more carbohydrates significantly alleviates PMS symptoms. Stick to complex carbs such as:
- Wholewheat bread
- Oats
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Quinoa
Practice Aromatherapy
You knew this one was coming, but can you blame us? Science has shown just how well aromatherapy can work on balancing emotions. Add a couple of drops of the Restore Balance Diffuser Oil in an Aroma Spa or apply the Restore Balance Pulse Point Roller Ball to your wrists and behind your ears to feel the benefits.
Keep it cool and calm
Hot, sweaty, and struggling to sleep? Yep, that’s your PMS too! Getting enough sleep is vital for your overall health and wellbeing, especially when your hormones aren’t playing ball.
If you find yourself getting hot and bothered at night keep your bedroom cool by opening the windows or using a fan. You can also spray directly on your body, pillow, linen, or the space around you with the Restore Balance Body & Room Mist to create a calming space to sleep.
What do the Doctors say?
Dr Carys Sonnenberg, GP and Women’s Health Expert: “PMS has substantial social, occupational, academic and psychological effects on the lives of thousands of women from menarche to menopause. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests lifestyle modifications, such as aerobic exercise 20-30 minutes, 3 times a week, and balanced meals for management of mild to severe PMS with other medications. Likewise, the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology recommend exercise and CBT, which would include relaxation techniques and stress management as first-line management to help PMS”.
We hope you find these tips helpful and if there are any other natural remedies you swear by we’d love to hear them in the comments.
