The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dandelion Root
Posted by Kelly (Tacoma, Wa) on 10/09/2016
★★★★★
My mother has been using dandelion root capsules to control swelling in her legs, so last week I decided to test it for the bloating/severe water retention I get a few days before my period. I have been taking 2 or 3 capsules of dandelion root with my breakfast. Incredibly, not only did it cure the bloating within a day, but it also completely eliminated my horribly painful breasts (fibrocystic). The dandelion root also eliminated the sensation of sluggish/swollen lymph nodes in my armpits. All within the first 24 hours of taking it. I can't believe it!
Two "side effects" I've noticed on Dandelion root:
I feel myself getting dehydrated so I have doubled my water intake.
It makes me urinate frequently, so I will continue to take it in the morning so as not to disrupt my sleep. Dandelion is a powerful diuretic!!
I hope others will try this simple remedy. Dandelion root is very inexpensive.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Freda (Northeastern Wi) on 07/01/2016
★★★★☆
Unsulfered Molasses is somehow helping with PMS symptoms...
I'm 35 and have struggled with heavy menses well its been two days since I been taking a little less than a tsp. of the blackstrap molasses that I happen to have. I didn't really know what it was for and I googled it and read about good info on here.
Every month before I start my menstrual I feel very heavy and tired and also get anxiety very bad when it's that time :( ..well this morning I got my thing and I noticed that I feel pretty good and noticed also small air bubble noises coming from down there? Is this good? I feel so much at ease today ...good stuff but maybe like some other people on here were noting that you should check w the doc before taking with some other meds your taking > I think I will stick to a smaller amount it seems to make a big difference for me.
Iodine
Posted by Sue (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 12/16/2015
★★★★★
Iodine works for PMS symptoms!!! I am 48. A week or two before my period I have had PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, anxiety, tight shoulders, moody, etc. I applied topical iodine on my stomach and breasts and wrists. It made me feel so much better in just 15 minutes. It absorbs quickly. I read that if you put it on and it last for 24 hours you are not deficient any longer. Please give this a try if you suffer like I did, its a life changer!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by All_natural (San Francisco, California) on 07/01/2015
★★★★★
Alright, so I have terrible PMS. I have even contemplated whether or not it was as severe as PMDD. Those who think PMS or PMDD are made up by women to get out of things are incredibly ignornant. I wouldn't wish my feelings of moodiness, depression, and lack of motivation of any women, let alone anyone. Before having to make an appointment at the doctor I knew I should come to EarthClininc and read up on what could be done naturally and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did.
The maybe $40 you'll spend buying natural remedies will by far be better for your mind and body than prescription drugs!
I've been an avid user of ACV for a variety of aliments but over the past few months have stopped use. (what a mistake) This year, from what I can recall, my PMS took a really bad turn for the worst. My poor family and boyfriend probably didn't know what was really going on. As much as I tried to be positive and happy, there was just something in me that couldn't keep faking it. There was something biological going on that needed help. So yesterday, 6-30-2015, I started taking a variety of things I read up on right here on Earth Clinic.
1. ACV + Baking Soda + Water + lemon (optional) = Amazing
2. Iodine drops + water= Amazing
3. Calcium/Magnesium Vitamins = Wonderful
4. Rhodiola Rosea = Wonderful
Yesterday, I couldn't hold back tearing up at work but today I feel so much less overwhelmed/stressed, it's almost magical how giving your body what it needs, will in turn give you mental clarity and you feel like you can finally be yourself & live life!
I'm never going to stop taking these 4 things. The balance of these 4 have brought me back to life. The two weeks I usually lose to PMS, I know I'll get back if I already feel this great after less than 24 hours.
Try it out, you have nothing to lose.
Evening Primrose Oil
Posted by Sue (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 03/11/2015
★★★★★
I have suffered greatly for over 30 years with pms cramping and severe pain and major mood issues. I just found evening primrose oil. I have been taking 2 to 3,1000mg vitamins per day for the past 3 weeks. I have had my period for 3 days now and have not had to take any pain killers at all. This stuff is truely a miracle cure. All the praise to God! Please try it if you suffer as I did. You won't regret it, it will change your life.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lora (West Coast, US) on 03/06/2015
This SO CALLED recipe - think twice before following. WHY: because when you add SODA to ACV= the chemical reaction of neutralization happens, that WIPES OUT THE BENEFITS of ACV.
Why would you do that? Start slow with amount you are planning to use, in order to get used to its taste. Believe me - once you throw all the sugar out of your diet & start feeding off natural organic foods - your taste buds will CURE TOO, allowing to experience the natural taste of ACV also.
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 08/11/2014
★★★★★
Vitamin B6
Posted by Jennywren (Western Australia) on 05/20/2014
★★★★★
Every month I get one day when I am beyond reason. Furious one minute, crying the next. My family dread that PMS day!
I was looking online a few years back and read that Vitamin B6 was meant to help. So the next time I had a PMS day I took one and it simmered the symptoms right down. If it's still hanging around after a few hours, I take another. And that's it! Works for me! :)
Progesterone Cream
Posted by Shellie (Dallas, Tx) on 07/20/2013
★★★★★
I started taking natural progesterone cream this year for 5 months reg now & am very surprisingly happy with the results. I started taking it to try to alleviate my heavy flow (peri menopause) ovian cysts, painful cramps & fribroids. You really have to experiment to find the "right dosage" to experience it's full benefits. Since taking it, my flow has significantly decreased. I no longer "flood" during my cycles & my cramps are minimal. Please give it a try. It may take months for you to figure out "your" dosage, it did for me. It's truly my God send. I no longer depend on my rx tylenol to allievate my cramping. My OBGYN had recommend to have my uterus removed to stop my heavy flow, stop my painful cramps etc. BTW he laughed at me when I told him I would try natural progesterone before I took his recomendation of castrating me. The joke is on him.
Seaweed Bath
Posted by Briona (La, Ca) on 05/18/2013
★★★★★
PMS: Take a hot bath with seaweed (bought at a Japanese store or at the Asian section of your grocery store) to relieve painful PMS. A small handful of seaweed is sufficient. It's wonderful!!
Milk Products
Posted by Robert (Katy, Texas) on 04/28/2013
One of my 12 year old twin daughters was having cramps due to her starting to have periods. I didn't have much to offer her so I gave her a cup of ice cold raw milk. Stomach cramps went away and she slept thru the night.
Iodine
Posted by Holly (Decatur, Ga) on 02/10/2013
★★★★★
Hoping for relief of endometriosis and ovarian cysts, I've been supplementing with Lugol's Iodine the past 3.5 - 4 weeks and am FLOOOOOORED by the many positive results including increased energy. My last period arrived two days after I first started the iodine drops and it was it's usual self - a doozie, requiring high doses of Aleve around the clock for two days. But this second time around, I started 5 days early with ZERO pain and very minimal flow in comparison to the usual gushers. Last night I did take two Aleve, just in case, but in hindsight, I don't think they were necessary. As well, I've been taking approx 3/4 teaspoon of coconut oil every morning, though I've dabbled in coconut oil before & never experienced these results. Maybe it's a combo of the two potions?! Thrilled!
B-Complex, D3, Magnesium
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 01/22/2013
Hi, thanks for your post - yes b vits control hormones and magnesium is needed to resolve cramping. So glad this has helped you and hope it will help others. Shame on the doctor for recommending Prozac!
B-Complex, D3, Magnesium
Posted by Shannon (Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa) on 01/21/2013
★★★★★
PMS Cure: B-Complex, D3, Magnesium
I have had horrendus PMS for the last 10 years, to the point I was diagnosed with PMDD. I would be 100% normal 3 weeks out of the month, but the week before my period I would hit rock bottom, just like flipping a switch. I would get enraged, ehausted, suicidal. Completely out of my mind. The only thing the doctor offered was various anti-depressives I. E. Prozac, Zoloft, etc.
Recently I noticed some redness in the face and scalp flaking, and attributing this to seborrheic dermatitis/rocasea, started taking some supplements that I read could combat it. I started out with a quality B complex, and 2 days later started taking supplement that had Calcium/Magnesium/D3.
One day I went to the bathroom and found out my period had started. I was absolutely mind-blown; never in my life has it come without a major buildup that would peak with extreme mood swings and end with me in bed, sobbing, exhausted in pain.
B-Complex contains:
-Vitamin B12 1, 000 MG ~Make sure it is in the form of methylcobalamin~
-B6, 5MG
-Folic Acid, 400 mcg
-Biotin, 25 mcg
Mine is sublingual, which is recommended for effective absorption. Took this and the other supplement for 8 days before my period came effortlessly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angelus (Clarksville, Tn) on 10/03/2012
★★★★★
Hi! Try Hippocrates RX: 1 Tbs ACV and 1 Tbs honey in 8 ounces of water
Agnus Castus
Posted by Shirley (London, UK) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★
Last year I read the book "PMT-Reversing the curse" which advocates using Agnus castus as well as specific dietary changes to cure PMS.
I am someone who every month contemplated suicide due to the severity of the mental symtoms I regularly experienced from PMT - mood swings, short temper, anxiousness, extreme fatigue, weepiness - I often felt like I had been injected by a chemical that affected my brain the week before my period started. I also have had bloating and swelling - puffy face and eyes as a regular occurence at period time and often I just could not face going out of the house.
After following the plan in the book for 3 months I have no bloating, I feel "normal" and not like I have turned into some mad women and besides a little cramping the day my period comes on I feel normal during my period for the first time ever. I would recommend this book to anyone sufferring mood swings and anxiety/aggression etc at period times - it is the only thing that has really worked for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vermont) on 06/15/2012
★★★★★
Nay from Podgorica, Montenegro; ACV has same ph as a soda...... I think the worry is more scare tactic than anything. I do the ACV tonic every morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nay (Podgorica, Montenegro) on 06/15/2012
★★★★★
I have been taking ACV every morning for about a year now. My hair is wonderful and so thick, nice even skin tone, keeps my weight down and fights my seasonal allergies, also keeps me regular! I take it in warm water every morning with a spoon of honey and a spoon of Bee Pollen (Helps with Immunity!). I love the stuff! Also, I visited the doctor over the wked and my teeth are perfect! (His words). So I havent had an enamel issue. Though I have read that you should take it alone as it can burn your throat and other things on the way down due to its acidity?
Holy Basil, Chasteberry
Posted by Juliette (Reston, Va) on 05/24/2012
★★★★★
I used to struggle really badly with mood swings and anxiety especially around my period I went to a holistic doctor and she recommanded I start drinking Tulsi(holy basil) tea (she actually gave me some pills but I found the tea and I drink tea all day so this works better! ) and get some Chaste tree berry (comes in drops just put some in your water directions on the bottle) and the difference is NIGHT AND DAY. I kinda just go with my gut as far as dosage goes but I'd say I drink about 2-4 cups of tulsi tea a day and do chaste tree berry in my water 2-3 times a day. When I forget to do it I can tell the difference and it works almost immediately... I HiGHLY recommend it :) peace and love.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Drrosali (Mumbai, India) on 05/03/2012
I went through the comments posted. Many have positive results using ACV but few had side effects also. However we don't know whether it's gone completely or it will recur again.
I am a registered homeopathic practitioner and have used homeopathic remedies and ayurvedic herbs (resonance and classical)together with best results.
Progesterone Cream
Posted by Hey Boo (Middle, Washington, Usa) on 05/01/2012
I recently read a book dealing with hormones, mainly progesterone to help with pms. I thought that it sounded like the answer. I had a tubal ligation 20 years ago and have had severe pms symptoms since. My symptoms start about two weeks before my period which include my moods swinging from apathy to anger, extreme hopefulness to depression so bad that I pray for death. I also have anxiety and panic attacks, foggy thinking, a feeling of unreality and lack of concentration. The food cravings are ridiculous and I gain about 8 pounds, 3 to 5 I lose quickly because it is just water retention but then I have to spend what is left of the rest of the month trying to lose the fat I gained from the binge eating. When my period starts the crazy begins to subside and I only have to deal with cramps, sometimes I am on the couch with a heating pad for a day or two but the physical pain of the cramps is something I can deal with. I have gone to doctors over the years and have been put on pain meds, birth control(horrible), at least 9 different depression meds and I am currently on disability with the PMDD being a huge factor. I would throw in the towel and just say "yep I am a crazy person" but for one week a month I feel normal.
Anyway in my two decade search for relief my latest attempt was Progesterone cream. Just a couple of days into using it I felt anxiety and a heaviness in chest. I began to have nightmares and sleeplessness and all over itching. My thinking became erratic and I was on the edge of panic all day and night. It felt like pmdd symptoms but I had just had my period. I was applying the cream for about 5 days in total before I thought maybe it was the progesterone that was causing it. I googled for side effects and found a forum where many women had the same reactions that I was having. My conclusion is that Progesterone has worked well for many people but the awareness of possible side effects needs to be put out there too. The heart palpitations and chest tightness that I felt may have a more frightening affect on someone with coronary problems.
It did not work for me but it may work for you, I just wanted to share my experience so that whoever reads this will have the benefit of that information.
Meanwhile my search continues.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Traci (Los Angeles, Ca) on 02/22/2012
★★★★★
No more painful cramps with ACV! Whenever I eat wheat/dairy before my period I get the worst cramps and bloating (I'm already sensitive to wheat). After reading these posts I decided to try ACV with water every day for a week leading up to the big day. I am SO happy! I'm still bloated but no painful cramps! YAY
I'm going to start taking ACV every day. It seems to keep me 'regular' too :)
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Ba (Dubai, Uae) on 12/15/2011
I have heavy bleeding continously after I did a D&C to remove poly from my uterus and the doctor put me on Primolut N after several days the bleeding did not stop and I found this site stating about ACV and its benefits. I started having it with soda once a day am and had the tablet at pm after few days started bleeding again so stopped ACV and continued with the pill and my bleeding stopped. Can anybody advise me if it is okay to have ACV and primolut together or should I skip one?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephanie (Hilton Head, Sc, United States) on 12/06/2011
I just found your post, as well as the Earth Clinic Website, a little while ago. I am completely desperate for help with my PMS so I am going to give it a try. I just took 2 tbsp. Of apple cider vinegar with a little less than 1 tbsp of honey (the real stuff, not the stuff in the bear ;-) I would have tried the blackstrap molasses, but I don't have any so this will have to do for now I guess. I've read most of the posts and it seems like some of you had some results as early as 4 days after starting the ACV regimen. I'm hoping that will be the case for me as well. I am due to start my period around Friday and the cramps, bloating and fatigue are kicking my butt..... As usual. It seems the older I get the worse it gets!
I also have fibromyalgia so PMS really takes a toll on my body and my mental outlook. I'm really hoping this works. If so, I will be the biggest advocate for Earth Clinic the world has ever seen!! Thanks for all of your posts and advice. Good luck to you all!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Houston, Tx) on 12/01/2011
★★★★★
I started taking ACV 4 months ago for excessive bleeding and bad pms...... I spot now for 4 days and it helps with my migraines and allergies.... I take a shot of it alone in am and pm with something sweet after like sugar free hawaiian punch and my vitamins.... It is a miracle cure.
Magnesium
Posted by Evian123 (London, Uk) on 10/15/2011
I know this response is a few years ago, but was wondering if you have found something that is a definite winner on the perimenopause cure front. Did Black cohosh work well? Thanks in advance :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mallory (Salt Lake City, Ut) on 10/06/2011
Any health food store, likely the international ones for the expats.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Saab (Mtl, Canada) on 09/03/2011
i use Apple Cider Vinegar in salad dressings, specially before my periods. Mix it with flax oil. Or any other oil high in Omega 3- amazing results from evening primrose oil for PMS.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 08/30/2011
Hi Jennifer -
To help make the ACV taste better I take 1 oz of ACV, and then I add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda to it. When it stops fizzing (bubbling up) I add about 10 oz of (non chlorinated) water and 2 oz of orange juice. It tastes GREAT this way. Some people add apple juice instead of OJ - so if you prefer it, maybe try that.
ACV is great stuff. Keep at it, and you will start to actually like the taste of it, I promise!
Carly :-)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Baltimore, Md) on 08/30/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi, I came across this site in hopes of relieving my PMS symptoms. I've noticed since my Tubal last August that my headaches have increased as well as my anger a couple of days before my period starts. I'm not a pill taking kind of person so the ACV may be just the thing for me. I started today with a 2Tbsp shot but it was horrible. Is there something I can mix it with to help reduce the flavor?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses
Posted by Womaninlondon (London, United Kingdom) on 08/11/2011
★★★★★
AKA as evian123. I'm updating to YEA!!!! This is an amazing combination, and I am so happy to report that after 1 month, my period came without a hitch, not a single headache, not a cramp, ZERO PMS, my usual hormonal breakout didn't happen either. As part of my PMS, I used to get REALLY moody - in the sad sense. Teary, tense, woeful and automatic running thoughts. Not this month! I'm stunned and amazed. On top of everything else, my energy is wonderful and steady, I'm clear headed generally and my sleep is solid. My husband is so impressed, he started taking it for himself too. My recipe is this: first thing in the morning 2 tblsp ACV mixed with 1/4 tsp of baking soda as a shot, then I chase it with water. Then, slowly I make a decaf coffee with 1 tsp molasses, and sip that for my morning hot drink. 3 days prior to my period, I sipped 2 tblsp of ACV mixed with 1/4 tsp of baking soda in a large bottle of water and sip it throughout the day to give myself additional suport. Thank you so much earthclinic for sharing this info!!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses
Posted by Evian123 (London, Uk) on 07/27/2011
I've just started the ACV today, after having tried just about everything for PMDD. This past month was pretty bad with bad anxiety the whole week of my period. I have never suffered with such severe PMS. As I've gotten older it's progressively worsened. I am also taking vitex to help my progestrone levels, and it has helped, but I am finding that with vitex I feel sleepy a lot from day 14 onwards. The good news with vitex is that my cycle has finally resumed its normal 28 day cycle, my skin remains clear and my anxiety does lessen. My periods are much longer than ever before - sometimes lasting up to 8 or 9 days. In my younger years, I was always so regular and had some PMS, but not this bad at all.
These days I take a B complex, Calcium/Magenesium everyday as well. I really hope ACV added into the 'mix' will do away with all the craziness of that week. I hope to stick with one thing that will be 'the winner' and to keep things simple for myself. My diet is very good, and I exercise regularly too. I will keep you posted. How are you coming along?
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Justme (Abroad, Non-us) on 06/07/2011
★★★★★
I started taking Lugol's (5% solution, 5 drops in a cup of water) as soon as my period ended, and I was PMS-free till my next period started! Prior to this, my PMS with nasty mood swings would last more than 2 weeks at times. Having a clear mind thru PMS was amazing! This was my 1st time taking Lugol's, and I'll definitely continue taking it as long as needed.
