PMS: Questions and answers

Our women's health advisor supplies the answers to your searching questions.

Can I use Agnus castus to help me get pregnant?

There is a very good practical reason for not necessarily using Agnus castus for fertility. There are many reasons that a woman may be struggling to... Read the full answer 〉

I have a normally regular cycle with just pain when my periods start. But last month, my period started 3 days early with immense pain on the day before. What could have caused these changes? (I am 22 years old).

There are a number of reasons why this could happen... from stress, to strains, to diet change, to just a one off earlier period. See what happens... Read the full answer 〉

What can you recommend for heavy periods with no physical cause? My iron levels are quite low too so I feel tired and look ill! I am trying to take 200mg iron fumerate every day but some days it really upsets my gut. I am 39 and lost a lot of blood giving birth 5 years ago and since then periods have got heavier. I have tried the mirena coil but had to have it taken out after 1 day due to discomfort and heavy bleeding. The doctor has given me tranaxemic acid to try and iron pills but they upset my sensitive gut. I have just come on another period which is my usual heavy one. Any suggestions?

It is normal for most women to bleed after the coil has been removed, especially as you had it in for such a short space of time. You could look at... Read the full answer 〉

What remedies would you suggest for very bad PMS symptoms, in the lead up to menopause, which are psychological not physical (anxiety, depression, nervous, emotional, paranoid). I did take flaxseed oil capsules for 10 months and became symptom free, but now they no longer have any effect.

Flaxseed oil is Omega 3, which would have helped up to the point that you appear to have begun early onset of menopause (your symptoms are classic... Read the full answer 〉

My granddaughter (13) is experiencing pain in her breasts Her period has NOT started. Today she says she feels nauseous. Is all of this related to her periods even before menstruation has begun?

It may be that her body is preparing for the onset of menstruation. However, should symptoms continue, or if you are at all worried it may be... Read the full answer 〉

Can I take Agnus castus and evening primrose oil together or is one of them enough? If so which one should I take?

Yes, Agnus castus and evening primrose oil can be taken together, however, it may not be necessary to use two products for the same thing; you could... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve got cramps and have started bleeding a little, but haven’t come on properly yet. My period isn’t due till tomorrow. I am worried it won’t come on properly at all. Is this OK?

Not every month will come on the exact date or indeed be the same symptoms as most previous months. Sometimes it is just different - stress, diet,... Read the full answer 〉

I had constipation, severe nausea, and diarrhoea 5 days before my period. Is it just bad PMS?

Your symptoms are typical of PMS (in this case you have a lot of them all at once). See what happens next month - (if this is unusual for you) and we... Read the full answer 〉

Is PMS causing my spots?

If your skin problems worsen in a distinct pattern consistent with your menstrual cycle, it is very likely that PMS could be the cause of your spots... Read the full answer 〉

I'm feeling low and insecure during my time of month.I'm wondering if I should see the doctor regarding this? I have a low progestrone level.

Low mood tends to be a symptom of high progesterone so, therefore, this is somewhat strange. We have a video blog which may help you to better... Read the full answer 〉

Why do I get lower back pain?

There could be multiple reasons for back pain, around the time of your period:1. Not drinking enough water - this can affect the whole body system,... Read the full answer 〉

I always take my period regularly and it lasts for 5 days. For the last two months, I took them for 3 days, and I'm still getting cramp. Can you help?

There could be a number of reasons for a change in your cycle, such as diet, medication or stress; if none of these are a factor and it happens again... Read the full answer 〉

I am 48 and starting to suffer peri-memopause symptoms - periods closer, anxiety and general horrid pmt that seem to be constant. As usual doctors recommended anti- depressants, which I am taking. I’m not convinced it is all hormonal. Would Agnus castus help do you think?

Agnus castus should help to lengthen the period cycle and diminish the PMS symptoms, however, we also have a product called Passiflora, which is... Read the full answer 〉

My job is quite stressful, caused more by leaving a job I loved and now in a job where my work/ life balance isn't how I’d like. I work evenings and it's often hard to see or spend time with friends and my boyfriend. My exercise routine has slackened lately partly due to work and spending more time at my boyfriends where I don't have access to the building once I leave it. My cycle is usually pretty regular, I come on at the end or beginning of the month. Although one month will be very heavy for the first two-three days then become very light. Another month it can be light but last a week. I am limited with hormone based contraceptives because of medical issues in my family and I've never found a POP that has agreed with me fully, either it upset my moods or periods. Becoming pretty obvious what the problems are now that I write it down. But if you have any suggestions I would still be very grateful.

A lifestyle audit is what is required here (as well as possible a look at the non hormonal coil) as it is most likely that your hormones are not to... Read the full answer 〉

This month I have suffered from a migraine a week prior to my period, sore breasts two weeks before, low mood a few days before and a very heavy flow. Is it PMS? I am 51.

These do sound like PMS symptoms, however, given your age I'd say that they are more than likely to be menopause symptoms. Have you read our... Read the full answer 〉

I am experiencing period pains but nothing else. Could I be pregnant?

If your period is late then the best thing to do would be to take a pregnancy test. However, stress, dieting and excessive exercising can also stop... Read the full answer 〉

I was using the Nustrate injection and then I stopped. Ever since I stopped my periods have changed. It is here for 4 days and then stops for 3 days and then starts again. It’s been two months now and I do have most of the symptoms of PMS. What can I do?

After stopping birth control the body can take a few months to regulate itself back to normal. In your case we would recommend Agnus castus, a good... Read the full answer 〉

One week every month I turn into a monster. I am horrible, hopeless, anxious and stressed. My relationships are failing. I am on a mini pill plus take B6and St. John's wort. What would a doctor say?

Can you tell me how your period is once it comes?Are you aware that St Johns Wort is contra indicated with hormonal contraception. Read the full answer 〉

I’m 50 and I think I’m experiencing pms. I’ve got numbness in my lower legs and hands especially when at rest, at night. My body aches and I have muscle pain especially on my upper limbs. Are these normal?

As you approach the menopause (average age range is 45-55) your hormones can begin to subtly change and although you may still be getting regular... Read the full answer 〉

I took tablets to delay period for a holiday, but now haven't had one for 3 months. I am nearly 47 and was sterilised 14 years ago. My stomach feels bloated as well.

I'm assuming that your periods haven't returned since your holiday and not that they have just not arrived for the past 3 months and thus... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer from PMS for about 7 days before my period. I am 46 and use condoms for contraception as the pill made me very depressed and I stopped taking it 24 years ago. My main symptoms are anxiety and panicky waves, irritability. I feel light headed and shaky and have mood swings. My periods are still regular. I have recently started taking complex b vitamins that have helped with my tiredness and also the herb Milk thistle in a tincture format for my liver's health (as I drink alcohol most evenings before bed.) I have started some meditation and also go out walking more regularly. What can I do?

It sounds as if you have low levels of magnesium. Levels of this vital mineral fall in the week before your period, so any deficiency will show up... Read the full answer 〉

I get fatigued, irritable, anxious, low in mood and have headaches which develop into migraines when I stop taking the pill for 7 days. I am considering a coil instead of the pill now. Tiredness and grumpiness are my worse symptoms. What can I do?

You have the classic symptoms of low oestrogen levels, which are very common on the pill, as most tend to increase progesterone levels.I would agree... Read the full answer 〉

My daughter has just turned 16 and has always suffered from menstrual cramps at the beginning of her period. For the last few months on the first morning after her period has started she wakes up with a bad stomach cramp and is then violently sick. Once she has emptied her stomach she feels much better and can eat normally. This is affecting her school attendance as she usually misses the first lesson. There is a history of endometriosis in the family (including me). Is there any herbal support available?

There are a few of things that you can do to help your daughter:1. Make sure that her bowels are moving a least once a day - every day. You can look... Read the full answer 〉

I was diagnosed with PCOSfrom an internal scan done years ago though blood tests were within normal range. My periods in the past have been a bit erratic and I have had hormone and skin related issues. Since having my two kids my hormones/ PCOS seemed to go. My cycle was regular and skin settled. I miscarried in November at 39 and since then (it's also been generally a stressful time out with this) my cycle has lengthened gradually (to 40 days this month) and I get some skin breakouts. I am very irritable/angry and feel so exhausted sometimes I just can't face doing anything. I've started taking Agnus castus today as it helped regulate my cycle before, but could I take Siberian ginseng to help my energy levels at same time? I am not taking any oral contraception as we are considering having a third and final baby if possible.

Firstly, we would not recommend Agnus castus; your cycle is already long and Agnus castus will most likely make it longer. Secondly, we would urge... Read the full answer 〉

When does one stop having a menstrual cycle? I am 61 years old and still using the Ordette family planning pill, which regulates my cycle monthly.

Whilst you are still using oestrogen based contraception your cycle will, most likely, continue to happen; you should go and speak to your doctor and... Read the full answer 〉

I have not had a period for a year. I am 46. Five days ago I had bad stomach pain and kept feeling sick. What could it be?

It could be a number of things from a simple stomach bug to an early menopause. Have you had your hormone levels checked out by your GP for this? Read the full answer 〉

I'm 38 and and use no contraception. I've had 3 children and lately when my period is due I get light headed and a bit nauseous. Is it normal for this to happen and can your symptoms change as you get older?

It is indeed quite normal for your monthly symptoms to change as you get older. It's possible that if you are light headed before your period... Read the full answer 〉

I'm in my mid 30s and have recently made the decision to make some big changes in my life starting with my health, weight & fitness. I've joined a gym and have altered my eating habits etc so far everything is going well however my period this month has been awful. My flow is very heavy, much worse than usual. It's already lasted longer than normal and I've suffered cramps throughout which is also uncommon for me. Is this all connected to the gym work? Am I perhaps changing too much too quickly?

I would say that your change in lifestyle is indeed a huge factor in your period changes, and, you may find that these changes happen next month too,... Read the full answer 〉

I've been taking Agnus castus for the last 8 months. It is really helping me. I am no longer suffering from PMS and my cycles length has went from a 22 day cycle to a 28 day cycle this month. I am awaiting my period and am now on day 36. I have tested negative for pregnancy. I underwent and failed IVF last February (2013). The doctors said I have poor egg quality. I am 42. Could you advise me if this is normal for my cycle to extend to this degree?

Agnus castus increases your progesterone levels, and this can sometimes mean that your oestrogen/progesterone levels are no longer evenly balanced;... Read the full answer 〉

I have bought Agnus Castus oral drops and I have been using them daily for 2 months. My focus has been to balance my hormones, as I suffer from acne (adult). I eat a healthy diet and regularly exercise and the acne is on my face (particularly chin and jaw), arms and back. Agnus Castus is supposed to combat breast tenderness, but in the past 2 months my breasts have been incredibly sore from ovulation to menstuation. My skin erupts at ovulation and again 2 weeks later at the onset of menstruation. I tried halving the dose to once a day, but to no avail and I have had to stop the Agnus Castus altogether. I have spoken with the health shop owner, who has advised me to contact you directly. Please help!

It sounds very much as if you were suffering from high progesterone originally - this imbalance is associated with adult acne.Unfortunately, although... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 46 years old and my period has stopped. Could I have started the menopause? My period is always on time.

It is possible that this is the start of the menopause, your GP can do a simple test to confirm your hormone levels. Read the full answer 〉

I'm 52 years old and have had my period for over 10 days this month. Is it normal?

This sounds more like menopause than PMS; your GP can do a test to check your hormone levels to confirm this for you and in the meantime, you may... Read the full answer 〉

I have a 15 year old daughter who gets a lot of PMS symptoms 10 days before her period. She is very cranky and irritable. Any suggestions on how to help her?

The good news is that almost anything you do to improve her diet, lifestyle or general health will impact favourably on your daughter's PMS. A small... Read the full answer 〉

What can I do to minimise PMS?

The good news is that almost anything you do to improve your diet, lifestyle or general health will impact favourably on your PMS. A small reduction... Read the full answer 〉

What is PMS?

PMS is a combination of any of around 150 recognised symptoms experienced in the run up to a menstrual period, including:· ... Read the full answer 〉

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Here's what I recommend

As the A.Vogel Women's Health advisor, I recommend Agnus castus to help relieve symptoms such as menstrual cramps, breast tenderness and irritability.

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