Natural Ways to Ease PMS Symptoms

The other day I did some math: I’ve been getting my period for almost 20 years. Plus or minus a few missed periods here and there, that’s 240 menstrual cycles. Given I’m only 30 years old, that means I’ll have at least 20 more years and 240 more periods to go. You would think that after experiencing PMS symptoms for over half my life so far I would have gotten really good at managing them, but it was only in the last year that I finally found the combination of natural products and medications to ease the discomfort I was feeling.

I saw a girl on Instagram drinking raspberry leaf tea, so I bought raspberry leaf tea. To be honest, I assumed it wouldn’t do much. A placebo, at best. But right after I bought it, my period hit me with a vengeful afternoon of intense cramping, so I poured myself a cup, and to my surprised, the cramping started to ease up and I was instantly relaxed. The tea itself tastes great, kind of sweet and herby, like a watered down black tea with a little chamomile. I’ve been keeping my pantry well stocked since that first sip.

Let’s talk about CBD. I refused to believe the hype for years. My tolerance for marijuana is quite high, so I assumed it was only natural CBD wouldn’t work on me. I bought a bottle of Sunsoil CBD oil on the recommendation of a friend, and I surprised to find that when my time of the month came around, the usual headache I get started to subside. Now I keep a bottle on me at all times for any aches and pains that crop up, regardless of whether I have my period or not.

My mom has been on me to take my vitamins since I was a kid popping Flinstone chewables. Now that I’m an adult, I’m learning how beneficial it can be to take a regular supplement, especially a prenatal. Before you wonder, no, I’m not pregnant, nor do I intend to be anytime soon. But prenatal vitamins, like Ritual’s Essential Prenatal, are full of nutrients that provide brain health, bone support and more. If you struggle with PMS symptoms, this could be a great option to give your body the boost it needs.

This one might not normally fall under the category of what we consider natural, but after a recent visit with my Gynecologist, I realized that some of the menstrual and ovulation discomfort I’ve been feeling might not be so normal after all. I opted to go on a low dose birth control, and so far it’s been smooth sailing. The visit made me realize that just because we may all complain about our periods, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Always talk with your Gynecologist about options for PMS symptoms and get regular pap smears and STD testing.