Ease Your Premenstrual Symptoms with Vitamin E

About a year ago I was chatting with my chiropractor about my severe premenstrual symptoms and he suggested I take vitamin E capsules 10 days before my period starts. I immediately started taking two capsules three times each day for the 10 days preceding my period, and I added on an 11th day to include the first day of my period. I was amazed by the positive effects vitamin E had on my PMS symptoms and as I was swallowing the capsules this month I realized that I have shared this remarkable information with so few women. This hub is meant to remedy that and share the knowledge!

As explained by the National Institutes of Health, the supplement we refer to as vitamin E is a collection of compounds that are fat-soluble and that have antioxidant properties. Doctors and researchers currently think that vitamin E reduces unwanted premenstrual symptoms by helping regulate and normalize a female's hormones, which, as we all know, get a bit wonky during this part of the menstrual cycle.

I noticed an improvement in my PMS the first month I upped my vitamin E intake, and I continue to experience the benefits a year later. Every female's experience may not be mine, but for me this high level of vitamin E gives me less breast tenderness, less painful cramps more months than not, and I think has played a part in my not having the consistent premenstrual insomnia I used to experience. Another amazing improvement that I didn't actually notice right away is that my insane sugar cravings aren't nearly as severe or long-lasting as they used to be. Sometimes I think that's the best benefit of all! Other women may notice a reduction in premenstrual headaches and a reduction PMS-related anxiety and depression.

When shopping for vitamin E you will find that all brands list alpha tocopherol as a source of vitamin E. This is because alpha tocopherol is the vitamin E compound that is best absorbed by our bodies. As far as brands go, I'm not sure whether one is better than another. I've taken several brands of vitamin E and I've purchased it from Walgreens, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and online retailers, which tend to have better prices. I won't use most supplements from Walgreens and similar stores, but I'm not sure if it matters in this case.

Regarding dosage, I take a lot of vitamin E for those 10 or 11 days. I am taking 800 I.U. three times per day with food. Some women may not need as much, and it's probably best to start with a lower dosage, especially if you aren't working with a healthcare provider (if you are taking medication or are on a supplement regimen or are pregnant or nursing it would be wise to do so in case there could be harmful effects). Many websites addressing women's health and PMS recommend just 400 I.U. of vitamin E each day to ease troublesome PMS symptoms, but I suspect others will need a higher dose like I do.

Food is a great source of vitamin E if you don't wish to take supplements or if you'd like to try reducing your PMS symptoms through diet. Wheat germ, avocados, leafy greens and broccoli, almonds and peanuts, and sunflower seeds are some of the foods that contain the beneficial vitamin E.

Use caution when taking high doses of anything. Vitamin E in some doses might interact with medications or other vitamins and supplements, so chat with a good healthcare provider and do your research if this applies to you. I know an incredible amount about health and supplements but I am not formally trained; I am simply sharing information and experience that I hope makes other women's PMS much more bearable!