PMS

WHAT IS PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women experience about five to eleven days before menstruation and typically dissipate once menstruation begins. Over 90% of women, in fact, report some premenstrual symptoms, affecting everything from emotions, physical health, and behavior, symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety can occur. Researchers seem to think that PMS is caused by fluctuations in sex hormones and serotonin at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. For instance, estrogen and progesterone increase at certain times of the month, resulting in mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Fluctuations of serotonin, on the other hand, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood states, can trigger PMS symptoms, including premenstrual depression, as well as fatigue, food cravings, and sleep problems.

CARING FOR YOURSELF DURING PMS

Lifestyle, hygiene, good nutrition, and supplements can go a long way to mitigating and even preventing PMS symptoms. Exercise and eating right can not only control the bloating, depression, irritability, and mood changes associated with PMS, but they can also help with hormone balance and weight management. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity per week.

Diets that are rich in animal proteins and high-fat dairy foods, as well as high in sodium, alcohol, and caffeine will tend to aggravate PMS. Such a diet will also cause sluggish liver function, predispose to low thyroid function, sugar metabolism disorders, as well as aggravate food allergies. Conversely, a colourful diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat calcium-rich products, whole-grain complex carbs, and plenty of fresh water, can do wonders to stop PMS symptoms in its tracks.

TOP PMS SUPPORT NUTRIENTS

Ashwagandha

Studies have shown it can improve mood and physical symptoms of PMS, as well as reduce stress and anxiety and decrease food cravings.

Black Cohosh 

is a medicinal plant used to treat women's hormone-related symptoms, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms.

Calcium

According to research, calcium supplementation results in at least a 50% decrease in symptom intensity for premenstrual headaches, breast tenderness, body aches, fluid retention, irritability, and mood swings.

Evening Primrose Oil

is a rich source of Omega-6 essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are beneficial for balancing hormones and easing PMS and menopause-related symptoms, as well as helping with skin conditions.

Vitamin B6

or pyridoxine hydrochloride – is useful for breaking down and metabolizing estrogen in the body, which are a significant factor in fuelling menstrual cramps and PMS. Unsurprisingly then, B6 supplementation has been shown to relieve the depressive symptoms and overall symptoms of PMS. As an added bonus, B6 helps transform the most toxic forms of estrogen into less potent and less dangerous forms, which can then be excreted by the body.

Vitamin D

supplementation has been shown to reduce the prevalence of PMS and dysmenorrhea as well as to have a positive effect on the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.

Vitex

Also known as ChasteTree Berry, according to researchers, vitex helps women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome find relief from symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anger, hostility, headache, and breast tenderness (cyclical mastalgia).