Once a month, countless women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a hormonal affliction which can cause not only severe pain, but can also lead to mood swings, insomnia and fatigue among other things.  While many women choose to suffer in silence, mitigating cramps using painkillers, there are in fact a few more natural ways to keep the symptoms of PMS at bay.

Here are a few simple tips to bear in mind the next time that dreaded time of the month rolls around:

1. Adjust your diet

By eating regular, healthy meals and snacking on low glycemic index (GI) foods, you ‘ ll help to keep your blood glucose levels within a normal range, thus mitigating the adverse effects of PMS. Sugar, caffeine and alcohol can also trigger more severe symptoms, so steer clear of these if you want to make that time of the month more manageable.

2. Stay active

Moderate intensity exercise is one of the most effective ways to de-stress and keep your endorphin levels up, which can help to balance out those pesky mood swings. So while it might not feel like the most appealing option at the time, try to take in at least 15 – 30 minutes of walking, gym circuit training or cycling when suffering from PMS.

3. Supplement your lifestyle

Evening primrose oil can significantly help to reduce the symptoms of PMS, including breast pain, mood swings and irritability, thanks to its Omega-6 Fatty Acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is widely used as a natural remedy. To get the best results, you ‘ d be best advised to take 2,000mg per day during the two weeks prior to the start of your menstrual cycle.