Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is very common, as it has been observed and described throughout the ages and across cultures. Although most women experience some degree of physical and/or psychological changes in association with menstruation, the symptoms and their severity vary greatly for each individual. So if you have PMS, you are not alone!

PMS is described as the experience of a wide variety of symptoms that occur 1-2 weeks before, and sometimes through the first few days of your menstrual periods. These symptoms can include:

• Lower abdominal cramping

• Backache

• Bloating and weight gain

• Swollen tender breasts

• Nausea and diarrhea

• Appetite changes and food cravings

• Pimples, rashes and mouth sores

• Headaches

• Joint pain

• Stuffy nose

• Dizziness and decreased coordination

• Cold sweats and hot flashes

• Palpitations and nervousness

• Depression and crying

• Insomnia

• Poor concentration, forgetfulness, brain fog and indecision

• Irritability and mood swings

• Outbursts of anger and aggression

Numerous theories have been advanced to explain why PMS occurs. Although many of the symptoms are simply manifestations of the normal hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, an individual woman‘s response to these PMS changes depends a great deal on her physical and emotional health, as well as her mindset. Cultural background is a significant factor, since there are a variety of chemical and nutritional imbalances, lifestyle factors and psychosocial components that help determine the degree to which the symptom is perceived and identified as a problem.

PMS can be worsened by: 

• Hormonal medications and contraceptives, which can often lead to depression among other symptoms

• Past or current depression or anxiety

• Increased stress

• Inadequate sleep

• Excess body fat

• Decreased exposure to sunlight 

• Caffeine, smoking, alcohol and drugs

• Nutrient deficiencies 

• Chronic toxic exposure (from high use of chemicals and wifi in modern living)

• High consumption of dairy from hormonally stimulated cows

• Foods high in sugar, refined white flours and partially hydrogenated fat that creates blood sugar imbalances 

• A diet low in real whole food like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy protein, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (present in flax, fish, olives, borage and primrose)

• Modern isolating, high-tech, corporate living that disconnects us from ourselves and others, and makes our normal experiences abnormal

• Prevalent societal attitudes that include fear, numbing, medicating or escaping symptoms of discomfort as opposed to being with them, surrendering, welcoming, honoring them, listening to and finding meaning and beneficial purpose in their messages 

The drugs commonly prescribed to help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of PMS not only are expensive with potentially dangerous side effects, but also have not been demonstrated to work better than a placebo in well controlled studies. Remarkably, some have not been carefully studied at all for this purpose.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog for what you can do naturally for PMS.

If you need personal guidance, don’t hesitate to arrange an online coaching call with me or an in person holistic gynecology appointment.