About three out of four women suffers from Prementrual Tension or PMT. A troublesome but largely harmless range of symptoms whose effects can be evident in the run up to a period. Some women endured the symptoms for up to half of every month. Problems include Physical ailments such as water retension and swollen joints especially ankles, food and alcohol cravings, weight gain, skin problems, weakness and headaches. There are also pasychological disturbances such as irritability, poor concentration, decreased in sex drive, unable to sleep well or insomnia. tearfulness or even depression.
The main cause of PMT is hormonal changes of females during menstrual cycle which results in an accumulation of salt and water in the system and a shortage of progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus to receive a fertilised egg. Another cause is lack of essential fatty acids such linoleic acid, which can also upset the balance of hormone. Vitamin B6 is known to regulate the menstrual cycle, so lack of it may be another cause of distress.
Not all experience the same symptoms of PMT, and the degrees of suffering varies from mild to complete misery. Few women are so disturbed that they act like a completely different person wherein their mood is being affected and sometimed they became violent towards others or to those person they love. This condition also affects judgement and women may be prone to accidents during this time. Many industrial concerns try to avoid such accident by transferring women employees to a safer jobs during the PMT period.
Some Therapists recommends different ways on how to relieve PMT symptoms, such as Aromatherapy - by taking daily bath containing the essential oils of clary sage, geranium and lavender during the two weeks before a period is due. They also recommend Massage- perhaps a full body massage for its all around relaxation and tonic effect. This may help reduce headaches and body weakness. Another Therapy is Accupuncture, homoepathy and naturopathy. Exercise usually helps the well-being and reduces fluid retention. It is also advisable to cut down the intake of salt, sugary foods and alcohol. Supplement that might be prescribed includes vitamin B6 , magnesium and oil of evening primrose.