How PMS Hero® works

Formulated by hormone experts and nutritionists, PMS Hero® is an acclaimed formula of 12 clinically tested botanicals, minerals and vitamins. For breast tenderness, cramps, bloating, mood swings, irritability and more so you can thrive before, during and after that time of the month. 
Quick read

Nutrition tips for PMS

Your diet can help with PMS signs like headaches, bloating, cramps, low energy, irritability, mood swings, cravings and breast tenderness leading up to your period.

Reach for foods rich in calcium such as leafy greens to help with bloating, and manage mood swings with foods high in vitamin B6 like bananas and tofu.

Find out more in our nutritionists' article on the best nutrition for PMS.

How to take it?

  1. Take 2 capsules each day

    Take two capsules each day throughout your cycle.

  2. Take consistently

    PMS Hero® is best taken daily throughout the month.

  3. Adjust when needed

    You can start a few days before PMS, but daily use is recommended for ongoing support.

Important — read before taking

Avoid PMS Hero® if you are pregnant, suffer from a history of blood clotting, are at risk of clotting, or are currently taking blood thinner medication or anticoagulants. Consult your GP or healthcare provider if you're taking any prescribed medication before taking PMS Hero® or other food supplements.

What to expect?

2 WEEKS

Improvement in energy, bloating, gas, and tenderness.

1 month

Reduction in food cravings, improved mental clarity, mood and focus, and ability to cope with stress.

2 months

Improved weight management and appetite control. Support for PMS-related joint and back discomfort.

3 MONTHS

Supports ongoing hormone regulation, regular periods, inner confidence, and protection against hormone-related breakouts.

Ingredients

Ingredient
Why it's included
What the research says
Evidence
Magnesium
Muscle & nervous system support
Research into PMS-related symptoms
Vitamin B6
Normal psychological function
Evidence relating to PMS symptoms
Agnus Castus Extract (Chaste Berry)
Traditional PMS support
Clinical research into PMS symptoms
Ashwagandha KSM-66® Root Extract
Stress support
Research into stress and wellbeing
Bromelain
Used for physical discomfort
Research into inflammation/swelling
Magnesium
Why it's included Muscle & nervous system support
What the research says Research into PMS-related symptoms
Evidence View study
Vitamin B6
Why it's included Normal psychological function
What the research says Evidence relating to PMS symptoms
Evidence View study
Agnus Castus Extract (Chaste Berry)
Why it's included Traditional PMS support
What the research says Clinical research into PMS symptoms
Evidence View study
Ashwagandha KSM-66® Root Extract
Why it's included Stress support
What the research says Research into stress and wellbeing
Evidence View study
Bromelain
Why it's included Used for physical discomfort
What the research says Research into inflammation/swelling
Evidence View study

How it works?

PMS Hero® is an acclaimed plant-based formula of clinically tested botanicals, minerals and vitamins for common issues that arise with your periods. For breast tenderness, cramps, bloating, mood swings, irritability and more, so you can thrive before, during and after your period.

While PMS Hero® can be taken just before and during your period, for optimal results it is recommended to take it each day throughout your cycle, and it is most common for women to start enjoying the best results during their second cycle after starting PMS Hero®.

Supporting hormone balance

It may sound surprising, but supporting the liver supports a healthy oestrogen metabolism, which in turn supports hormonal balance and reduces common signs associated with oestrogen dominance, and reduces PMS signs.

Dandelion Root has been used for centuries to support the liver and is an important botanical for women’s hormonal balance. Rich in inulin, polysaccharides, potassium and ‘Sesquiterpene Lactones’, Dandelion Root provides a natural source of prebiotics and fibre. Research shows it exerts antioxidant properties, which contribute to gastrointestinal wellbeing, helping with common signs associated with PMS, including bloating and abdominal cramps. 

Regulating irregular periods will also help with overall PMS tension and provide digestive support. Research shows that gut health plays a vital role in supporting healthy hormonal balance. Dandelion has been shown to stimulate the growth of 14 strains of bifidobacteria and help reduce the overgrowth of unhealthy (pathogenic) bacteria. Dandelion is also extensively used as a ‘tonic’ for the gallbladder, supporting the body’s detoxifying abilities by helping eliminate the effects of pollution and toxins.

Magnesium and Vitamin B6 support hormonal regularity. Magnesium has been found to relax muscles and soothe abdominal and muscular cramps. Combining bio-available forms of Magnesium and B vitamins, in particular, is an effective way of supporting women’s hormonal imbalances. PMS Hero® includes the most bioavailable and active forms of B vitamins, including Folate (as calcium L-methyl Folate). Magnesium and Folate are key nutrients supporting normal hormone metabolism and helping regulate the menstrual cycle.

Agnus Castus, also referred to as Chasteberry, is a botanical herb traditionally used for its hormone-modulating properties and has been extensively studied for its effects on regulating PMS related issues. Research has shown it provides support for menstrual-related breast pain (‘mastalgia). In addition, for the more severe form of PMS, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), research indicates Chasteberry provides support from the psychological and physical PMDD issues experienced.

Dong Quai, also referred to as Angelica sinensis, is a well-known herb with long traditional use in Chinese medicine as a ‘female tonic’. It has been used for women’s health during different stages of their lives, including the pre-menstrual period and the menopausal transition. Dong Quai supports both the physical and emotional signs that arise with PMS and in turn, can help support the menstrual cycle holistically throughout the whole month.15-17

Bromelain, derived from the stem, fruit and juice of the pineapple plant, is a protein-digestive enzyme used for centuries, and research indicates Bromelain can help reduce swelling that can arise through PMS.

Full list of references.

Mental and emotional wellbeing

Supporting signs of PMS involves giving the body the right tools to address stress that can arise at this time of the month. Learn more about the impact of PMS on stress and mood in the recently conducted survey.

Ashwagandha KSM-66® provides natural inner calm and relaxation and is an extensively clinically studied botanical found to help reduce stress. Ashwagandha KSM-66® is a full-spectrum extract obtained from Ashwagandha’s root - it is the most clinically trialled and world-wide acclaimed form of Ashwagandha. The root of the Ashwagandha is superior to the leaves because the root contains the highest concentration of the active constituent, ‘withanolides’. The extraction process is pure and involves no nasty chemicals, alcohol or solvents.23

Shatavari, often referred to as the 'Queen of Herbs', has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Like Ashwagandha, it is referred to as an ‘adaptogen’ and helps support the body and mind to better cope with unique stressors encountered throughout the day. Shatavari helps signs of PMS including stress, irritability, and brings the body to a state where it can better cope calmly with physical and emotional stress.

These key botanicals, vitamins and minerals provided in their most bio-available doses and forms, along with a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle, can help soothe the nervous system and provide optimal support for your emotional wellbeing.

Vitamins B1, B6, Folate (B9) and the mineral Magnesium also provide psychological wellbeing support. Folate provides support for normal blood formation and normal homocysteine metabolism, which in turn supports regular menstrual cycles and a stable mood. PMS Hero® provides the highly-absorbed and utilised form of Folate, Calcium-L-methyfolate.

Full list of references.

Regulate blood sugar levels and support better skin

PMS Hero® includes Chromium which helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. Chromium also supports macronutrient metabolism, which fuels the breakdown of food (carbohydrates, fats and protein) into a form of energy for the body to utilise.

Stable blood glucose levels are vital to steady levels of energy and maintaining a balanced mood - fluctuations in mood are a common sign of PMS and can cause irritability. 

Vitamin B3 in PMS Hero® contributes to healthier skin. Breakouts and fluctuations in skin health are common signs of PMS and, along with Chromium, Vitamin B3 helps protect the skin during the hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

Full list of references.

Sustained energy levels and better sleep

PMS Hero® helps contribute to improved energy levels. It supports daily focus and mental clarity, enabling you to keep up with your daily routine and performance. PMS Hero® includes key B vitamins at optimal doses, in their most efficient forms, for appropriate absorption and utilisation by the body.

Niacin (B1), Vitamin B5, B6 and Magnesium contribute to energy-yielding metabolism.

Niacin (B1), Vitamins B5, B6, Folate and Magnesium also contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.

Full list of references.

The evidence behind DRV+

Women's Health

Multi-dimensional support through PMS

PMS Hero® is a nutritional supplement formulated to support women through the physical and emotional characteristics of PMS - from mood to energy to bloating.

33 PMS Hero® users March 2023 Cross-sectional customer survey
91% found it effective
52% rated it highly effective
73% improved their mood swings
Study Findings

Within a survey of 265 women, we looked at those using PMS Hero®, tracking overall effectiveness and which areas improved most.

The results?

90.9% of users rated PMS Hero® effective, and over half (51.5%) rated it extremely or very effective. Its strongest area was mood swings - improved for 72.7% of users - the very symptom women rate as the most disruptive part of PMS. It also outperformed every standard self-management strategy in the survey.

What This Means

Targets the No. 1 disruptor

72.7% improved their mood swings.

Directly addressing the issue women rate as PMS's most disruptive.

Broad-spectrum support

Users reported benefits across mood, energy, focus, sleep and bloating.

Reflecting the multi-dimensional reality of PMS.

Better than the usual go-tos

90.9% positive - ahead of every standard PMS strategy assessed.

No common remedy in the survey came close on effectiveness.

Women's Health

The real burden of PMS

Our survey of 265 women shows how heavy, multi-symptom and under-supported PMS really is.

265 respondents March 2023 Cross-sectional customer survey
95% have regular PMS symptoms
71% experience mood swings
77% feel unsupported at work/school
Study Findings

We surveyed 265 women on PMS symptom burden, its impact on daily life and work, and how well current coping strategies actually perform.

What we found:

95.4% reported regular PMS symptoms, a mean of 8.3 each, led by mood swings (70.5%) - also the most disruptive (39.6%). PMS affected relationships for 67.6% and caused 40.7% to take time off, yet 76.9% felt unsupported by employers or schools. No coping strategy averaged above 7/10.

What This Means

Mood leads the burden

Mood swings: most prevalent (70.5%) and most disruptive (39.6%).

Psychological symptoms dominate the experience of PMS.

It reaches work and relationships

40.7% took time off; 67.6% saw relationships affected.

Yet 76.9% felt institutionally unsupported.

Current remedies fall short

No coping strategy averaged above 7/10.

A clear gap for effective, evidence-based support.

References

The questions people
actually have!

Should I take PMS Hero® every day?

We recommend taking two capsules each day through your cycle to enjoy the full benefits of PMS Hero® in regulating hormones naturally.

You can take PMS Hero® a few days before the onset of PMS, and for some people this is effective, however, if this doesn’t address your PMS signs, we recommend taking PMS Hero each day. If you find that you only need to take one capsule a day that’s absolutely fine.

You may begin to feel a difference within a week or two, depending on when you begin taking PMS Hero® in your cycle. Many women taking PMS Hero® enjoy the full benefits during their second cycle when taking two capsules each day. Everyone is different and it’s a case of monitoring what works best for you.

Can you take PMS Hero® and Stay Calm® together?

Yes, PMS Hero® and Stay Calm® are a very popular combination.

Our supplements, with a few exceptions, are designed so they can be taken alongside each other when necessary. Stay Calm® and PMS Hero® are commonly used together because they're so effective individually and as a combination. You can vary the times that you take your capsules according to what is most convenient for you. You can also take them together or separately through the day.

Can my teenage daughter take the PMS Hero® supplement?

Our supplements are formulated for adults and older teenagers so. If your daughter is not taking prescribed medication or under any medical supervision, and as long as she doesn’t have existing medical conditions and she is of average size and weight for her age, then it is safe to take PMS Hero®, either at one capsule a day or two capsules a day.

It is common for teenagers taking PMS Hero® to start by taking just one capsule a day instead of the recommended daily dose of two capsules, and if this is sufficient to help with PMS signs that is fine. If there is no improvement after a few weeks or first month, then she can increase to the recommended dose of two capsules each day.

Diet and what you eat is also vitally important during this time, and this article on 'Nutrition for PMS' provides excellent advice on the best foods to reach for and those to avoid.

Can I take PMS Hero® if I have PCOS?

PMS Hero® is safe to take if you suffer PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS can often be related to issues with blood sugar. If you have issues with managing blood sugar, we recommend GlucoBalance®, our advanced natural formula for managing blood sugar and blood glucose, which is commonly taken alongside PMS Hero®.

You may also enjoy hearing from our nutritionists on 'What is insulin resistance' and '10 symptoms of diabetes to look out for'

How do PMS supplements work?

PMS supplements like PMS Hero® combine botanicals, vitamins and minerals to provide support through your monthly cycle by helping to balance your hormones for a better mood, body and mind.

What supplements help with PMS mood?

There are several nutrients that have been proven to help with hormonal regulation and therefore PMS symptoms. Vitamin B6 contributes towards hormonal regulation and can help with hormone related symptoms including mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Shatavari, Dong quai and Agnus castus (chaste tree) are phytoestrogens and support mood, neurotransmitters, and hormonal balance. These ingredients can be found in PMS Hero®.

Is PMS Hero® VAT Free?

DRV+ (Formerly DR.VEGAN®) has decided to permanently absorb the cost of VAT on PMS Hero®, our premenstrual support supplement. This means the formula is sold on the DRV+ website at its VAT free price of £18.99, with the brand carrying the tax cost rather than passing it to the customer. The decision is intended as a statement that premenstrual support should not be classified as a luxury and it stands until the policy itself changes. Products sold through third-party retailers remain subject to standard VAT pricing.