by Charlotte Howard

Created on: January 23, 2012   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

There are many symptoms of menstruation, which can vary in severity from simply annoying to completely debilitating.  Some women are lucky enough that these symptoms do not interfere with their daily lives, however others may need to seek medical advice or treatment to help with pain, irregular bleeding and depression.  While it is advisable to speak to a doctor if clinical signs are particularly severe or change suddenly, it is important that women know that there are

alternative therapies and remedies that may help ease their symptoms.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is known for easing pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as breast tenderness, food cravings and cramps.  It is thought that this symptoms can be caused by a fall in the levels of the omega-6 fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is naturally found within evening primrose oil.  It can be taken in the form of supplements and is often coupled with starflower (borage) oil, which is also naturally high in GLA.

Ginger

Ginger is often suggested for women who suffer with nausea, bloating or heartburn but it can also help to ease the symptoms of cramping.  It can be eaten whole, but many women prefer to drink ginger tea.  Lemon and honey can be added to the tea for taste.

Fennel

A natural antispasmodic, fennel can be used to help ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping or bowel flare-ups that may occur with PMS.  It is also thought that fennel may help to promote menstruation in women whose periods are irregular or late, although this has not been clarified scientifically.

Lavender

For women who suffer from headaches, migraine, depression and irritability, particular in the days before menstruation, lavender aromatherapy may be helpful.  It is known that lavender promotes a sense of calm and eases tension.  When used in a warm bath it can also help to ease menstrual cramps.

Peppermint

Nausea, bloating and bowel irritability can all be symptoms felt by women during menstruation.  However, these can be eased with the use of peppermint.  Peppermint oil or tea can help with such symptoms and may help with headaches and menstrual cramps as well.

Heat Pads

One natural cure for menstrual cramps and abdominal symptoms that is commonly overlooked is the application of heat.  A warm bath, hot water bottle or heat pad can help to ease the cramps and spasms that are felt during menstruation, especially when used alongside other natural remedies.

Yoga

It is important for women to remain active and healthy, which can help to prevent symptoms.  Yoga helps to stretch the muscles and promotes a sense of well-being and calm, which has been to show a vast improvement in women who usually suffer from PMS and cramps.

Healthy Diet

As well as exercise, it is important for women to eat healthily.  Many women will crave carbohydrates during their period, but this can actually worsen symptoms such as constipation, bloating and nausea.  By maintaining a healthy diet symptoms can be reduced.  It is also important to remember that during menstruation vitamin and mineral levels can become depleted, especially if the bleeding is particularly heavy.  Vegetables that are naturally high in iron, Vitamin E and magnesium such as leafy greens should be added to the diet during menstruation to help combat symptoms of anaemia, which can occur while bleeding, including lethargy.

Symptoms of menstruation should not be ignored or assumed to be normal.  If you are suffering from irregular, heavy bleeding or severe cramps medical advice should be sought to ensure that there is no underlying cause.

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