Book excerpt: For the millions of menstruating women who suffer from debilitating pain, erratic periods, heavy bleeding, or the effects of premenstrual syndrome every month, this book explores a crucial missing link: stress. Drawing on personal experience of overcoming crippling period pain and clinical expertise as a medical herbalist, Natasha Richardson gives practical advice on using simple herbal remedies and how to change the way we approach our daily schedules - from sleep to nutrition. Common menstrual problems are explored with advice on how to treat their underlying causes. Heavy bleeding, erratic cycles, missed periods, painful cramps, acne, breast tenderness, PMS, migraine, and anxiety are featured plus the red flag symptoms to watch out for. Conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids are looked at in depth with accompanying treatment plans.