Suzy Cohen: Five PMS hacks to make the month better
Menstruating can be a tough time — exhausting, really! A woman’s uterus sheds its lining at fairly regular monthly intervals, and that can be quite a tiring process to endure, as many of us can attest to. At the time of birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs, but by child-bearing age, only about 350 eggs will be ovulated month after month. After menopause, there are no more eggs.
Each of us experiences this in our own way, and it can be more unpleasant for some than others, especially if estrogen dominance is occurring. If the menstrual cramping (termed dysmenorrhea) is severe, of course visit your gynecologist for professional advice. In the meantime, here are five proven PMS hacks for your consideration.
Warmth: Obvious as it may seem, using a hot pack can be incredibly soothing during a menstrual cycle. The warmth that radiates into the abdominal muscles instantly eases superficial pain associated with PMS. You might be surprised by how effective it can be to take just 10 minutes, lay down and let the warmth of a heating pad or microwavable hot pack penetrate into your achy muscles.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is proven to naturally relax and calm the smooth muscles of the uterus. Eating chocolate also releases endorphins, specifically dopamine, which in turn reduces the symptoms associated with monthly cramping. It’s a comfort food too, and the reason is because it improves production of serotonin and dopamine.
Exercise: Endorphins during exercise are released from the hypothalamus in your brain. The opiate receptors in the brain interact with the released endorphins and, through this process, we then perceive pain in a different, lesser way. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. It doesn’t have to be full-on heart-stopping aerobics — just move.
Chaste tree berry (vitex agnus-castus): Chaste tree berry also is called Monk's Pepper, and it comes from the Mediterranean. Dietary supplements are available in the U.S. and have long been prized to help with female complaints, both for PMS and post-menopausal issues. It stimulates progesterone and, therefore, helps balance high estrogen.
Raspberry Leaf tea: You may not expect much from a tea made of fruit, but you’d be wrong. This little hack is among the fastest (and best) ones I have ever tried. Just a cup should take down severe cramp pain to a dull roar! The extracts and phytochemicals in this fruit help because they are antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory in nature. Just a note of caution, raspberries contain some natural salicylates and you should know this in case you are allergic to aspirin.
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Suzy Cohen: Five PMS hacks to make the month better
