By Martha Carlton

If you were asked what does PMS mean what would your answer be? The answer would be different for every woman. Some of us have only one symptom while others have many. This is not surprising because there are one hundred and fifty one known symptoms of premenstrual stress. The most common of them are cramping, pain, headaches, migraine, bloating, depression and mood swings. These are all felt at varying degrees. But it has to be said many women suffer these symptoms at a severe level. Premenstrual stress affects our lives. This also impacts on the lives of those around like us our partners and children. Even our colleagues notice a marked change in our behaviour at work.

The chances of PMS just disappearing are not too good. It is believed these symptoms are the result of the affects of hormones. It may surprise you to know that women with premenstrual stress do not have a hormonal balance. This is a common mistake. The balance of hormones is normal. It's how they react in each individual that is different. All good health is about balance in the body. So it is still about balancing this reaction rather than the hormones. As you can tell, this is a subject that is complex and there are no easy answers.

But all the ground work has been done. There has been a great deal of research and tests carried out to determine what is best for women. It is important to know, what does PMS mean, especially if it is disrupting your life. You must understand these symptoms can be treated. You do not have to feel awful for years to come. There is a natural product helping women like us right now. The developers of Menstium understand what it takes to help us get through PMS.

Why endure PMS cramps? Martha Carlton can help! Martha is an expert on PMS. Get free tips from Martha on how to deal with PMS. Check out PMSRemediesOnline.Com today!

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By Kathy Burns-Millyard

An Overview of PMS

Is it "that time of the month" again? You know what time. Women are quiet about it while men are mortified at the subject. Yes, the topic is menstruation and the ailment is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) also known as Premenstrual Tension (PMT). It is truly a lucky (or persuasive) woman who can convince her significant other to go out to the store and buy sanitary napkins or tampons for her.

But PMS is truly no laughing matter. Let's face it. Bleeding once a month can't be an attractive proposition for anyone, especially when it happens over 350 times in your lifetime! In fact, PMS is quite a serious health concern. A host of health concerns surround menstruation and PMS, including bloating, cramps, irritability, body aches, fatigue, emotional episodes, depression, breast tenderness, stress, anxiety, headaches, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, crying spells, mood swings, appetite changes, insomnia, fatigue, acne, anti-social conduct, worsening of skin and respiratory allergies, seizure disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and eye problems. There are over 150 side effects that can affect women in connection with menstruation and many are attributable to PMS.

Studies have revealed that more than 70% of American females have experienced PMS at least once in their lives. There is no decisive etiology as to why women develop PMS, and there is no agreed-upon method of treatment for PMS. Statistics also reflect that 60% of American women are sleep-deprived and sleep-deprivation is another symptom of PMS.

But is PMS an inherited trait in families? Several clinical studies have been undertaken on this topic. In one study in 1995, the researchers investigated the genetic and environmental factors affecting PMS. Their conclusion was that while there is a genetic trait affecting personalities, no conclusions could be drawn indicating that PMS is inherited. However, there have also been clinical twin studies that infer that there is a genetic link causing PMS. Another twin study conducted in 1993 studied 157 identical twins and 143 non-identical twins resulting in a finding that there are several genes which can be linked to PMS.

In another study, statistics suggested that both premenstrual and menstrual symptoms were independent of one another but both were thought to have genetic origins independent of neurotic symptoms. Genes that predispose women to premenstrual symptoms appear to be distinct from those that predispose to neurotic symptoms.

In a 1996 study, the authors concluded that PMS conditions may be resistant to treatment because PMS has so many different symptoms that it is difficult to affect PMS as a whole and that the causes were likely to be of genetic origin. They advised caution in placing too much faith on the results of the study. Additional research and testing is clearly needed before society can pin genetics as a cause of PMS.

Eumenorrhea is a term used to describe normal, regular menstruation. This condition usually lasts between 3 to 5 days (less frequently it can last from 2 to 7 days).

Blood loss should be about 35 milliliters but can range from 10 to 80 mL. An enzyme referred to as plasmin can be found in the endometrium and inhibits the blood from clotting. Blood loss can lead to iron deficiencies in women. Menstruation is usually (although not always) an indicator of whether a woman is pregnant or not.

Bleeding very little is referred to as hypomenorrhea. Hypermenorrhea or menorrhagia is the sudden heavy flow of more than 80 mL and this condition can be an indicator of health problems such as uterine abnormalities, cancer, leimyoma, or other disorders and diseases.

Note: Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.

WARNING: Prescription Medicines are Dangerous and Expensive! Learn how you can save money and keep your family safe from harmful prescription drugs by using Natural Herbal Remedies! Visit the treasure trove of free expert information at AltHealthGazette.com!

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Kathy has been successfully using natural herbal remedies to treat her family's health needs for almost 20 years.

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By John Gibb

PMS symptoms can be very uncomfortable and problematic. If your symptoms appear seven days prior to the onset of your menstruation and disappear a couple of days into it, it may be PMS-premenstrual syndrome. There are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms of PMS

The symptoms of PMS can include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, aggressiveness and/or difficulty in concentrating. You may also have food cravings such as salt/salty foods, sweets, and fatty foods. Your appetite might increase as well. Weight gain from over eating or water retention is also possible. You may feel bloated as well. Headaches including migraines, breast soreness, and back aches may also occur. There are well over 100 symptoms of PMS. No two women will experience the same symptoms or the same intensity of symptoms. The symptoms can be very mild requiring no treatment while others are so severe they require serious treatment and possible hospitalization.

Tips and Treatments

If your PMS symptoms are mild you may require nothing more than a few lifestyle changes. Exercise is important for overall good health and for increasing your energy level. If you need motivation get a friend to go with you to the gym or to just hold you accountable for your exercise.

Spirituality, meditation, and/or relaxation techniques can all help you ease tension, relieve pain, and in general feel more positive. Yoga is a great way to exercise and meditate the result of which can be deep relaxation.

Some dietary changes may also help. Eliminate or reduce eating salt, salty foods, fatty foods and sweets. Excessive consumption of salt or salty foods can cause bloating, weight gain and water retention. The body perceives thirst and pulls water from the cells causing the above symptoms.

Eliminate or reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can make you jittery, cranky, and you may get breast tenderness. It is a stimulant. Alcohol on the other hand is a depressant and can darken your mood causing depressive feelings.

Instead of eating 3 larger meals and a couple of snacks, you can try eating six small meals- 3 meals and three snacks. This will help you to feel full longer and hopefully avoid unwanted weight gain. Do eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, whole grain pasta, cereals, fruits and veggies. Eating calcium rich foods can also relieve symptoms. A study showed that women who drank 7 cups of milk daily (double the recommended daily allowance) is over 30% less likely to have any PMS symptoms than women who drank less than 1 cup of milk daily. A calcium supplement with vitamin D will have a similar effect.

Vitamins and vitamin supplements can help ease food cravings and keep your body working at a healthy level. Many vitamin supplements also contain many nutritive minerals that support good health.

Medications may include pain relievers, diuretics (water pills) that will get rid of excess water. The problem is that diuretics can seriously drop potassium levels. That would cause another set of health concerns. Anti-inflammatories relieve pain as well. For severe symptoms of depression, antidepressants may be used. Many medications though come with side effects that could be worse than the symptoms you are trying to relieve.

Herbal supplements often have vitamins such as B-complex and C vitamins and minerals including zinc in them. If they are made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards, have only standardized herbal extracts, and been extensively tested. You can be guaranteed that you have a top quality supplement and that the dosing is consistent in each capsule as is the quality of each supplement. They should not be added to your routine without checking with your doctor because there are some herbs that can affect the performance of prescriptions you may be taking for other health concerns.

Conclusion

PMS symptoms are uncomfortable and in some cases severe enough for medications and/or hospitalization. Medications including pain medications, anti-depressants, and diuretics may also be used. All are effective and some can have unwanted side effects. This is the reason for the increased use of natural treatments and herbal supplements.

For some women all that may be needed is a few life style changes such as exercise, dietary changes, and learning meditation and relaxation techniques. The good news is there are options and all are effective. You and your doctor should decide together what will be the best treatment that will meet your needs.

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women's health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.com

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By John Gibb

There is no question that PMS symptoms are real and for some very severe. PMS is now being paid attention to as real and treatable. For a very long time it was not taken seriously and women were told "It's all in your head." The most severe cases of PMS are called PMDD- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. There is a variety of treatments available. You and your doctor can decide which one will best fit your needs. It might take a couple of trials before just the right treatment is discovered.

Homeopathic PMS Relief

Homeopathy is a system of treatments that believes that 'like can cure like.' Miniscule doses of drugs are given that would in much larger doses cause symptoms of the disease itself. This directs the body to begin to defend and repair itself.

In recent years the term Homeopathy has come to be an umbrella term including natural treatments. These treatments can include phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant substances that work in a similar manner to estrogen. They have isoflavones which are most like human estrogen. There is also natural progesterone and DHEA.

DHEA-Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroidal hormone that is produced from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal glands. Production of this master hormone is at its peak when a woman is in her 20's and declines over time so that by age 70 we produce only about 20% of what we made when we were younger. Men, as a result, always have more DHEA than women. Since DHEA naturally declines supplementation is not recommended. DHEA may be effective in combating aging, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and PMS-premenstrual syndrome. It may also be effective in the treatment of cancer.

Prescription medications including anti-depressants, pain medications, and anti-inflammatories may be used for PMS relief. While these are certainly effective some of them come with some serious side effects as do some OTC-over the counter medications if not used properly. Many women seek to avoid these side effects and turn toward supplements such as herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements are safer and have almost no side effects. Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, and Chasteberry are just a few of the most common herbs used in supplements to relieve PMS and menopause. They are effective and safer but should not be added to your health regimen without discussing it with your physician. Some herbs can affect the performance of prescription medications you may be taking for other conditions.

Herbal supplements that are of high quality will have been extensively tested. The metabolism of the ingredients should be examined at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients' should also be closely examined. They should be made according to pharmaceutical grade standards. All of this helps to guarantee that each capsule will have the same dosage and same quality. Only standardized herbal extracts are used to further guarantee consistent quality and dosing in each and every capsule.
Conclusion

PMS undoubtedly brings with it some uncomfortable symptoms and though traditional pharmaceutical treatments are effective, they have side effects most women wish to avoid. Homeopathic PMS relief is becoming more popular precisely because women want to avoid side effects of traditional treatments. You should consult your doctor before adding anything to your health regimen. Homeopathic PMS relief has become a generic term for any type of natural treatments.

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women's health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.com

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Great video here I found on YouTube.  Just in case you are looking for something to give your husband for Christmas, a GPS would be nice, as long as it has this female voice come on at least 7-10 days a month.

By Grace K Lam

In certain social circles, the whole PMS syndrome is a handy tool for off color jokes however for the millions of women who experience it, the night sweats and insomnia which are a part of it aren't funny. This circumstance is very real and isn't just a woman's head. It isn't an attention getter and it surely isn't a joke. It is great if you don't suffer from this syndrome however understanding what to do about can make all the difference in the world.

PMS is directly caused by a hormonal imbalance. It happens due to the extreme changes in the hormones just before a woman's period. The syndrome comes completely with night sweats and insomnia, not to mention other symptoms which for a week or each month can make you feel like it's not worth living.

Weight gain

Women who struggle with PMS are well acquainted with the symptoms they experience each month. Beside the night sweats and insomnia, weight gain is also one of the main symptoms. It is common for the hormonal imbalance to dramatically increase appetite while making any form of physical activity unappealing.

This disorder plays with the emotions and can spawn feelings of depression that leads to over eating. The only answer is to find a way to correct the imbalance. Many women are looking for success with all natural hormone supplements as it helps their self-esteem to manage PMS and maintain a healthy weight.

Food cravings

As you going right along with the weight gain, then come food cravings. Many women are familiar with having unusual cravings during their period or before it. It's fairly common and normally not a problem.

However those food cravings are almost impossible to ignore. There are a lot of concepts about the hormone such as food craving connection. Regardless of which concept is ultimately proven correct, the food cravings can be controlled with correct treatment.

Severe mood swings

The severe mood swings are the favorite symptom to make fun among of however there isn't anything funny about them. Imagine struggling with insomnia and night sweats and then feeling totally out of control as it comes to your emotions. For many people, this is frightening them and makes them feel so out of touch that any relief is welcome.

Fortunately these symptoms can all be managed with a high quality hormone supplement. Menopause treatment which mention in our website is an excellent example of an all-natural solution. It is beneficial to take control now before the threat of night sweats and menopause become a problem.

Grace K Lam, who has studies various medical studies and manage to beat menopause naturally, willing to share her experience through website where you can get Free Report and Useful Information about Menopause and Menopause Treatment.

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By Marie C. Barrett

PMS or pre menstrual syndrome, is not a condition to be taken lightly, as any woman experiencing the symptoms knows only too well. It seems to be the lot of some women to experience significant levels of discomfort from PMS, but perhaps more than is necessary.

First up, this article is not about medical treatment for the symptoms of PMS, nor is it a psychologist's analysis of why some suffer more intense symptoms than others. All we would like to do is offer a few thoughts that may help you adjust your thinking and thereby find some relief from your symptoms.

Every stage of life presents us with its own challenges, and this women's only business of PMS is simply one of those times. Some women approach their period with dread and expect it to be painful, to activate crushing headaches, cramps, moodiness and all the other side effects you can think of. If you expect pain, do you think that might actually accelerate the delivery of pain to you?

Of course you will. Now for a change of pace. Did you know that whatever you fight against, will fight back? Whatever you resist, persists? When you expect all the classical PMS symptoms, your expectation will attract the experience of them. So what can you do to minimize the symptoms and maintain your equilibrium each month?

Start by isolating, in your mind, each little discomfort. To reduce the sense of overwhelming discomfort of PMS, if you have developed a headache, for instance, go into the pain. Feel what the pain is in its very essence. Don't resist it, just feel it. Is it in the front of your head, or the side or the back? Is it deep inside or just under the skull? Look into the headache and feel it without fighting it.

When you do this you actually achieve a certain distancing from the overwhelm of the pain. You can isolate it to a specific area in the body. The whole body does not need to be in overwhelm. Is your toe hurting, or your hand, your shoulder? Isolate the discomfort to one place and let the rest of your body get on with life.

That said, be kind and loving to your body too. Lie down and take some rest if you feel you need to. Be gentle and treat yourself with kind and loving consideration. If you suffer chronic PMS, yes, seek medical assistance if you wish, but always be ever so gentle with yourself. Surprisingly, most women survive the PMS symptoms quite easily!

Try thinking happy thoughts rather than entering into dread as the days count down each month. Keep yourself well occupied, do something that makes you happy, better still, go do something kind for someone else. Not only will this distract your mind from your own problems, you will enjoy feel-good emotions and be happy.

Finally, they say laughter is good for you, and this is so true. Find lots to laugh about; not just for those few days, but everyday. Laugh aloud and feel the happiness flood through you. You may experience PMS symptoms to some extent, but try these few ideas to create good feelings. Happy feelings make life a great deal sweeter than those engendered when all you expect each month is pain and gloom.

So love who you are. Enjoy life as much as you can. Distract yourself with happy thoughts and get those feel-good vibes flowing. PMS may still be a part of life but you don't have to submit to overwhelm, life's too fantastic for that, and you're too wonderful too.

Author and teacher, Marie C. Barrett, offers an informative ebook for understanding PMS and for coping with it's challenges. Check it out here: http://www.womenshealth-PMS.com Her blog focuses on discovering personal happiness and empowerment.

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When ovarian cysts are found, many women panic. Every month women grow cysts on their ovaries and they burst when ovulation happens, a normal process of the female system. Sometimes a cyst forms with something other than clear fluid, like endometriomas which is a cyst filled with menstrual blood, or a cysts that has calcium and hair also called a dermoid cyst.

Some cysts disappear on their own but other cysts need to be removed. It is very common in women and nothing to freak out about, as long as they are being watched there is nothing to worry about.
If you're interested in a permanent cure from ovarian cysts and PCOS related symptoms, please read about this Cysts on Ovaries Treatment