What products do you recommend for the onset of PMS?

Q. My doctor has diagnosed me with perimenopause. My main symptoms are extreme irritability, Weight gain, water retention, stiffness and soreness all over. Some anxiety, forgetfulness and extreme exhaustion. What products do you recommend?

A. These are some products I would recommend for perimenopausal symptoms.

• TFE Female Formula - Two tablets daily with a meal provides synergistic nutrients along with ovarian and uterine tissue extracts specifically formulated for the support and regulation of the female reproductive organs. Deficiencies in progesterone and estrogen, hormones secreted by the ovaries, have been linked to premenstrual syndrome, perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
• Dioscorea Cream - apply 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, two times daily from day 15 to 28 of the calendar month, for four months. Repeat as necessary. It is helpful for alleviating symptoms in peri/menopause, including edema, irritability, weight gain, fibroids, breast tenderness, hot flashes, anxiety, vaginal dryness and depression. Massage Dioscorea Cream into soft tissue areas, such as breasts, under arms, inner arms or thighs, wrist area or abdomen. Apply to a new area each day on a four day rotation to avoid saturation of fat cells.
• Biotone EFA - is a unique combination of rice bran, soybean and wheat germ oils specifically formulated to support and regulate hormonal function. Rice bran and wheat germ oils are high in octacosanol, fatty acids, phytosterols, and in ketosteroids, anabolic growth agents, and lipotropic factors. Octacosanol, found in wheat and in rice oil fractions, improves heart functions, increases vitality and endurance, prevents muscle spasms, and duplicates the biological effects of sex hormones and ketosteroids without the side-effects associated with hormone therapy.
• OSX Osteo Forte - for your stiffness and and soreness, I would recommend a good bone formula, if you are not currently taking minerals. This one is formulated for women approaching menopause or are currently in it. I would recommend 2 tablets, twice daily with meals.

And I see you've been taking Ichol Plus. I would also suggest you continue with this for the liver support. Supporting the liver can also help metabolize hormones and toxins that need to be removed from the body.

Please keep in mind that it does take a while for supplements to have an effect on the body, so you may not notice improvements right away, so be patient. I hope you are also taking a good multiple vitamin, and eating a healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and veggies (especially cruciferous and root veggies). Try to choose organic where possible.