Herbal Remedies For Premenstrual (PMS) and

*Mrs. Kayathri Devi.R,

Abstract: The woman’s reproductive experience begins with , extends through fertility for twenty to forty years, enters the climacteric (including perimenopause), and finally the reproductive experience ends with menopause. During many women experience with Premenstrual syndrome which occurs during the . Both the conditions are due to altered estrogen and ratio. These conditions can be treated with vitamins and hormonal supplements, but it has lot of side – effects due to hormonal replacement therapy. Many complementary and alternative therapies like herbs are useful for relieving premenstrual and menopausal symptoms.

Key words: Premenstrual syndrome, Menopause, Complementary and Alternative therapies, Herbs

progesterone, fewer eggs produced, less INTRODUCTION: endometrium, shorter and more erratic

cycles, and the end of .2 Premenstrual syndrome(PMS) is a complex, poorly understood condition Symptoms that includes a number of cyclic symptoms occuring during the luteal The symptoms are broadly phase of the menstrual cycle. Estimates classified in to Psychological & Physical. of the number of women with some

degree of problems related to their Psychological symptoms are , , , mood menstrual cycle range from 20% to swings, increased appetite, agression, 95%, with about 2% to 10% of women reporting some degree of distruption of , forgetfulness, sleep disorders, their daily activities (Cronje & and phobias. Physical symptoms are Studd,2002)1 abdominal , edema, weight gain, Menopause is the physiological hot flashes , ,

experience of the cessation of the , , rhinitis, and palpitations.3 menstrual cycle. Specifically, perimenopause is the time leading up to Symptoms of Menopause: menopause, with women experiencing The important symptoms and the health decreased estrogen, decreased concerns of menopause are vasomotor progesterone, fewer eggs produced, less symptoms, urogenital atrophy,

endometrium,* Principal shorter Sacred and Heart more Nursing erratic Collegeosteoporosis - GNM Course., and Ultra Trust, fractur e, 40 cycles, and the end of ovulation.2 Madurai.cardiovascular India. disease, cerebrovascular disease, , dementia, and

Herbals For Premenstrual Syndrome(PMS) and Menopause

Name of the Symptom Action Herb Bind estrogen receptor, Menopausal inhibits Luteinizing Black cohosh symptoms secretion and nonreceptor- mediated actions

Alters Follicular stimulating Premenstrual hormone and Luteinizing Chaste tree fruit syndrome Hormone levels; increases progesterone levels Sleep disturbances Lemon balm Tranquilizer/ sedative Impaired Stimulates circulation and Ginkgo concentration oxygen flow Fatigue, loss of Ginseng Uterine Stimulant concentration Anxiety, Passion flower Sedative Antidepressant Depression St.John’swort

Sedative Nervousness Valerian

Women’s Dong quai Uterus stimulant, analgesic discomforts Reduces LDL Flax seed Phytoestrogen cholestral Menopausal Red clover Phytoestrogen symptoms PMS & Menopausal Phytoestrogen and rich in Fennel & Fenugreek symptoms calcium Menopausal Wild Yam Phytoestrogen symptoms Rich inVit.B, zinc, & Muscular Palm jaggery Magnesium.

These herbs can be taken in the form of powder, tea, decotion, or in tonic. It can be taken as a single herb based on the symptoms or as combined herbs also. Herbal preparations have long been used for management of menstrual problems and menopause. So, education is an important component of the management of PMS and menopause. Nurses can advice women that self-help modalities often result in significant symptom improvement.6,7

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Conclusion: 3. Bhatia, C., & Bhatia, K. “Diagnosis and Alternative and complementary Treatment of Permenstrual syndrome”, therapies are beneficial in relieving “Journal of American Family Physician”. discomforts associated with menstrual 2002, 66, 1239 disorders and menopause. Nurses 1249,http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1 should be aware of the availability of 001/p1239.html natural remedies for PMS & 4. Cravotto,G. “Phytotherapeutics: an menopausal symptoms and be evaluation of the potential of 1000 knowledgeable about the indications plants” “Journal of Clinical Pharmaco for alternative therapies so that clients Therapy”. 2009. 35, 11–48 can be counseled appropriately. 5. Dutta, D. C. “Text book of Gynacology”. (6thed.).2008. Calcutta: New central References: book agency. 6. Holly Bellebuono..November, An

1. Adelepilliteri. “Maternal and Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary: The rd Child Health Nursing”, 3 ed, Art and Science of Creating Effective 2009. Philadelphia: J. B. Herbal Remedies. Concious Lifestyle Lippincott Company. Magazine.2012. www. 2. Aruna. “Premenstrual Syndrome” cociouslifestylemag.org Nightingale Nursing Times,2010. 7. Lowdermilk, &Perry . “Maternity and 5,21-22 Women’s Health care”. (8thed.).2008. New York : Mosby company.

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