Natural health: premenstrual syndrome

My PMS seems to be getting worse as I get older. Is there a natural remedy you could recommend? 

Vitex agnus-castus. Picture: Stock image

Q1. My PMS seems to be getting worse as I get older. When I was a teenager my mood would dip just before my period. I'm now in my early 30s and get depressed and irritable during the two weeks before my periods. This means I feel normal only half of the time. Is there a natural remedy you could recommend? 

A. There are a number of factors at play when it comes to PMS, particularly as we enter our 30s and 40s. Often the progesterone-oestrogen ratio can become out of balance  — a significant factor where depression and irritability are concerned.
Calcium and magnesium are important nutrients supporting the oestrogen-progesterone balance, along with muscle and nerve health. Cal-M from G & G Vitamins is a highly bioavailable instant drink powder made from calcium, magnesium and organic cider vinegar, where one teaspoon contains 164mg calcium and 12.6mg magnesium. Cal-M is available from its website at www.gandg.ie, where 100g of powder costs €12.28.