Herbs for premenstrual syndrome: what to know

Herbs may ease some premenstrual symptoms for some people, but they can interact with medicines and are not automatically safe. Product strength and ingredients can vary, so a pharmacist or clinician should check any supplement alongside your medicines and health conditions.

Premenstrual syndrome can involve mood changes, bloating, cramps, headaches, breast tenderness and sleep changes before a period. An herbal product aimed at one symptom may not address the pattern as a whole. Some products can affect bleeding, blood pressure, liver function or the way prescription medicines work. Breast pain can have several causes; read more about [Breast Pain](/symptoms/breast-pain/) if tenderness is prominent.

Write down the product name, plant ingredients, dose instructions and when symptoms occur. Use one new product at a time, follow the label, and stop if you develop a rash, breathing difficulty, severe stomach symptoms or a marked change in bleeding. Tell a clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, preparing for surgery, or using medicines for mood, seizures, clotting, blood pressure or contraception. The [Combined Pill](/treatments/contraception-and-family-planning/combined-pill/) may also be discussed as a non-herbal option for cyclical symptoms.

Arrange medical advice when symptoms disrupt work, relationships, sleep or daily activities, or when they are new, severe or changing. Seek urgent help for fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, heavy bleeding, or thoughts of harming yourself. A clinician can check whether symptoms follow the menstrual cycle and whether another condition or medicine is contributing.

Which symptom should treatment target first? Could this product interact with my medicines or contraception? What changes would mean I should stop it? Would a non-herbal treatment or symptom diary help clarify the diagnosis?