Natural ingredients, containing hidden vitamins, have been used to treat menstrual problems for hundreds of years but it is only recently that proper research has been conducted into what is, and what is not effective. In addition, when combined with modern vitamins and nutraceuticals, a synergy of ingredients is achieved that is far more effective than the ancients would have ever wished.

We all know what is good for us in terms of nutrition and women's health has been well researched in the pharmaceutical industry but little real research has been conducted into natural ingredients that have been around for as long as the menstrual cycle.

Most of the diseases that we associate with women's health such as vaginitis, thrush, breast cancer, endometriosis, cervical cancer, infertility, hot flashes, fatigue and irritability are all in some way confirmed to be, or suspected to be linked to female hormones. Simple vitamins and nutritional supplementation can help women prevent and treat these problems and with the application of clinical knowledge concerning drug-supplement interactions, these ingredients can be used alongside drugs to greater effect and less risk.

The ingredients below are focused on promoting normal hormonal function as well as preventing or diminishing common problems during menstruation. Traditional botanicals and essential vitamins have been combined for maximum synergistic effect.

* Chaste Tree is traditionally used for irregularities of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual complaints, and mastodynia.

* Flaxseed provides substances which have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the hormonal cycle.

* Dong Quai is often considered the female Ginseng and is a traditional herb for women's health. Historically, it has been demonstrated to be a good uterine tonic, and have estrogenic activity.

* Iron and Vitamin A levels are often low in women with menorrhagia.

* Vitamin C increases Iron absorption, preventing tiredness due to Iron deficiency.

* Vitamin C and Bioflavonoid Mix may strengthen capillaries in the uterus, preventing the rupture and cause of additional bleeding.

All the ingredients are available separately at your local health store, vitamin shop or online resource.

However, it is worth noting that you should check to find out if any of the ingredients interact with your prescription drugs. You should first and foremost tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking. A free drug vitamin interaction checker is available through this link to Mitamins, a company that specializes in Custom Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals.

Unfortunately, there is not a high level of understanding in the medical or pharmaceutical world into herbs and nutraceuticals although some research has been conducted into the popular herbs such as St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Gingko, Cayenne, Saw Palmetto and Valerian. Vitamins are better classified but not studied.

A dietician may have better knowledge than your doctor but there are also a number of sources of information concerning prescription drug-dietary supplement interactions on the internet.

The Merck Manual is a comprehensive resource of up to date medical information and has some good primers on interactions as well as in depth analysis.

The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a number of good fact sheets on different supplements

About the author:

Jade is a qualified TCM practitioner and currently works as a consultant for a Californian nutraceutical laboratory - Mitamins. Mitamins have developed formulas for hundreds of complaints and diseases and provide custom multivitamins with your choice of vitamins, minerals or herbs in one bottle.