How to control PMS & menstrual cycle naturally?

EleanorJ

I finished chemo in March 2009. In July 2009 (in the middle of our family vacation, of course), my cycle decided to reappear in the picture. It's been about a year now, and my hormones are completely out-of-whack! My cycles used to be on the spot, 26 days. Now, they go anywhere from 20 to 32 days. The months that I'm late, my PMS are horrible, I'm mean before during the entire cycle and my poor family has to stay clear of me or I'll snap. I had endometriosis, removed through surgery about 8 years ago, but I'm sure it came back as soon as it was removed, so plain level also gets worse with delayed period. I talked to my OB about this and of course, the only tx would be hormones which she refuses to give me because of BC (not that I would want to take them), but she sent me home saying "Sorry, can't help you!". So, now what? I'm positive there are supplements I can take that would help my situation, but which ones? Before BC, I was taking magnesium & selenium, it really did help with the mood swings of the PMS, but I'm not sure it would help regulate my cycle. Someone, please help! My hormones are going crazy, and so am I. Hubby & kids would also be very thankful I'm only 35, I can't wait until menopause.

EleanorJ

Anyone???

seaotter

cebula - I wish I could help you. The only thing I can think of is you might try progesterone cream. There is a thread on it under alternative, complementary, holistic treatment. 

Patty 

di431

Sorry I don't have an answer, but I have a similar problem. I'm trying to find a natural solution for hot flashes. HRT is out but most herbal supplements I try to research act like estrogen so they are out also. Maybe acupuncture? I used to use it but now I kinda have a needle phobia after so many surgeries and IV's.

Janeluvsdogs

progesterone will do the trick. I'll bump the progesterone thread.

CrunchyPoodleMama

Ditto the natural progesterone suggestion... also, two weird questions: how are you sleeping? (Are you getting enough uninterrupted sleep starting by 10-11pm, etc.?) and, what is your diet like overall?

The reason I ask is that melatonin and cholesterol help regulate all the other hormones in the body. When you're not sleeping good solid hours at night, your melatonin levels can become depleted. If you're eating a diet that's lacking in *good* fats, your cholesterol could be off and that too can impact your hormones. 

Another thing that can help "reset" your hormones is by getting some sunshine exposure every morning. Even if it's just standing outside for 15 minutes with the sun shining on your face, that will help. (I know this all may sound crazy if you're not familiar with it, but there's solid science behind all of it!)

EleanorJ

di431 - LOL! I already had a needle phobia before cancer, you can only imagine now. No way I would even go near an accupuncture place

CrunchyPoodleMama - Sleep is normal and enough and my diet is very good, not perfect but we did away with all processed food (well most, I do get my occasional all natural bacon, if that can be natural at all!!!). I think we eat better than average american. It doesn't all sound crazy, would make sense if I didn't sleep and ate McDonald everyday that my body my react to it. I'll try to get extra sun, but with the kids getting out of school in 2 weeks, I'm sure I'll get my share.

I will definately read the progesterone thread, looks like it's my only hope! Thanks ladies.