Dear Bob Liebert,

Thank you for taking the time to review my questions!

Over the last 1- 1 1/2 years I have been having extreme pms (starting 2, yes, two weeks prior to menstruation, I suffer from exhaustion, depression, over-sensitivity and extreme bloating-YUCK!). I have also had drop in my life-long strong sex drive- which is bizarre, as I am in a very happy, healthy marriage with a man I love and am extremely attracted to. Following the 1st day of the onset of menstruation, these symptoms immediately dissipate! My guess is that due to turning 30 last year, my body is just going through a transition of some kind- either way- I want to find some way to get my system back to normal- please help!

If you have recommendations, I would be happy to purchase products from you, but would need to know what the correct combinations and dosage amounts would be as the "recommended dosage" on many labels are not customized.

Thanks a million!
Balance-Seeker

Dear Friend,

Rather than you are getting "old", it would appear that you have had a long-standing hormone imbalance. Symptoms of PMS that start that early and cease immediately when menstruation starts are a sign that there is an excess of estrogen and too low progesterone levels. The herbs I find useful are the extracts of Chaste Berry, False unicorn and Black Haw; they will need to be taken over several cycles. They can be laid off of for the week or so of the period and after. Dandelion Root will help the liver deal with excess hormones and help balance blood sugar. Blood sugar swings are common, and can lead to mood swings, etc. Eat whole grains and complex carbs whenever you can; cut down on caffeine. Herbs like St. John's Wort and Oat extract can aid with depression and mood swings (see Spirit Lift Formula). Valerian, Skullcap, Passion Flower for anxiety and aggressive tendencies (see Nervaid Formula).

If you are interested I could put the three hormone herbs together as one formula, with the Dandelion Root and the Spirit Lift (sounds like the one for you). I would give directions for use. The cost would be: 2 OZ. Hormone Blancer, $12.50; 1 oz. Dandelion Root, $6.25, and 2oz. Spirit Lift $12.50; Shipping $5 or so, for a total of about $36. For a special formula you'd have to order by phone (417)-683-3491. I believe you could find great relief with these herbs.

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.