The PMS Years

During childbearing years, premen­strual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common disorders of women. There are approximately 150 different types of symptoms associated with PMS, ranging from mild to debilitat­ing. These symptoms include irritabili­ty, anxiety, mood swings, depression, crying spells, insomnia, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, low back pain, and sugar cravings. Symptoms appear one to two weeks prior to mense and decrease or dis­appear a few days after menstrua­tion. Typically, PMS symptoms peak between the ages of 30 and 40.

Reaching Menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman's childbearing years. In this phase of life, the body's energy changes from a monthly focus on the possibility of childbirth to maintaining a constant state of energy with the responsibility of supporting the woman alone. Hopefully, every woman's remaining energy will help support a healthy, active lifestyle, and a hormonal balance during this hormonal decline.

Fortunately, there are natural and holistic ways for women to manage PMS and menopause that are safer and have fewer side effects than pre­scription and over-the-counter drugs.

For example, Vitamin B6 is an excellent supplement for both stages in a woman's life. It is vital for the proper function of the liver, helping balance and conjugate estrogen in the body. With a decrease in the level of B6, the liver cannot do this, there­by causing an increase in estrogen levels in the blood which is one cause of PMS. Vitamin B6 also helps relieve stress and regulates moods, sleep, pain and eating habits to decrease symptoms such as depres­sion, insomnia and mood swings. In addition, Vitamin B6 stimulates a part of the central nervous system that plays a role in controlling blood pressure, possibly ensuring a healthier heart.