There are many things that can affect fertility. Some of the more common ones are poor nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, environmental pollution, lack of exercise, stress, oral contraceptives, urinary infections, candida, allergies, child-baring at a much older age.

I was an older mother and had problems getting pregnant. It was called unexplained fertility and I was told that in my late thirties I was unlikely to have children so to go away and forget about it. I desperately wanted children and even after several miscarriages this was not an option. I continued my healthy diet, exercised and took supplements and herbs to support my hormonal area. Then went on holiday where I fell pregnant and later produced a beautiful healthy daughter Georgia.

When I look at fertility I address both partners as it is important that the male is healthy and has a good sperm count and a good mobility of sperm.

I am a trained Natural Fertility Practitioner, and have gone on to help many clients with fertility issues.

• Menstrual Pain, and P.M.S.
• Physiological Symptoms of P.M.S.
• Mood Swings
• Irritability and nervous tension
• Depression’
• Mental Confusion poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Physical Symptoms of PMS
• Abdominal bloating and distension
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Breast tenderness and swelling
• Headaches
• Altered appetite –cravings for sugar, alcohol and fatty foods

PMS is the most common female hormonal imbalance affecting up to 75% of woman at some stage in their lives. PMS occurs in the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, between ovulation and the onset of menstruation.
What causes PMS?

PMS occurs due to imbalance in female reproductive hormones.

• Low levels of a hormone called progesterone throughout the cycle with elevated levels of the hormone oestrogen during the second half of the cycle.
• It can also be related to too many “bad” oestrogens and not enough “good” oestrogens.
• High levels of another hormone prolactin may also be involved.

Various other factors can also play a part in influencing hormonal balance and causing PMS. These include stress, diet, weight issues and thyroid dysfunction.

Painful Periods

These are very common. Symptoms of painful periods are:

• Moderate to severe abdominal cramping beginning of the start of the period and lasting 8-72 hours.
• Lower back and upper leg pain
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• High oestrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle or too much of the”bad” oestrogens are thought to be the primary cause of painful periods.

Irregular Periods

Amenorrhoea is the absence or a menstrual cycle during a woman’s productive years for reasons other than pregnancy or lactation. This may be due to a number of reasons including hormonal imbalances, low body weight, stress or over exercising.

Heavy Periods

Menorrhagia is the term for excessive bleeding and or prolonged menstrual bleeding (longer than 9 days) Most often menorrhagia is associated with hormonal imbalances such as too much oestrogen and too little progesterone or excessive amounts of “bad” oestrogen.

Endometriosis can cause significant pain and affect reproductive health. Through appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes and with specialised natural supplements health and vitality can be restored.

PCOS is a condition characterized by high levels of the hormone testosterone in a woman’s system. This can effect fertility, cause excessive hair growth on a woman’s face and obesity. Restoring balance with nutrition and herbs can be extremely effective.

This is the period of transition into menopause that begins some years before the actual onset of menopause.

The signs and symptoms that signal a deficiency in oestrogen can be divided into acute which affect you immediately or chronic that occurs over the long term.

The symptoms that woman mostly notice first include hot flushes which can occur during the day or as some of my clients experience waking up in the night hot or dripping wet. Other symptoms are aches and pains, vaginal dryness, bladder problems, dry and aging skin, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety and headaches.

How long does perimenopause last?
Some woman find that perimenopause lasts only a few months others find that lasts for ten or fifteen years. We are all individuals but the good news is that herbal medicine and nutrients are very effective.

I have a wonderful product containing extracts of Rehmania and Ziziphus along with other nutrients which is making a huge difference to my menopause clients. I also look at nutrition and lifestyle and set up a programme which will help you have an easy transition into the next wonderful stage of your life.

There are an assortment of herbs and nutrients I can use to correct your hormonal imbalances. For example Vitex agnus castus has been shown to reduce numerous PMS symptoms.

It is important to see a practitioner so they can advise you on the right practitioner range product to take as this has been trialled thoroughly to make sure that it is working for the patient. I will also set out a fitness and lifestyle plan to suit your needs.

PMS and other menstrual irregularities are not a normal part of life. Herbs and nutrients in combination with appropriate lifestyle changes give you the opportunity to take charge of your menstrual cycle.