Unfortunately, premenstrual syndrome, otherwise known as PMS, is a condition most women — 90% in fact — know all too well. The symptoms of PMS can be painful and debilitating, often interfering with a woman’s ability to live much less enjoy her daily life.
You do not have to be miserable just because your period is on the way. There is a silver lining in that certain hormone therapies can help reduce or eliminate uncomfortable PMS symptoms. Read on to learn more about how to treat your PMS, restore hormonal balance, and get back to living well.
Understanding PMS
Hormonal imbalances can trigger PMS symptoms because the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. These hormones can easily become imbalanced due to stress, insufficient sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, or an unhealthy diet.
PMS symptoms come on in the few days before a period and include both emotional and physical changes such as those on the list below.
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Moodiness
- Tender breasts
- Increased appetite
- Back pain
- Sleep disruption
- Anxiety
- Bowel changes
- Acne
- Difficulty concentrating
PMS Treatment
Hormone Therapy
One of the most effective ways to fight PMS symptoms is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). As the name suggests, BHRT hormones mimic those your body naturally produces, so your body recognizes them and knows how to optimize them for your benefit.
Progesterone Cream
Estrogen dominance, or excess estrogen, is often the culprit of PMS symptoms and occurs when either estrogen is too high or progesterone is too low, or both. For this reason, one product we may prescribe for you at Dr. Randolph’s Ageless and Wellness Center is our progesterone cream that helps alleviate PMS symptoms by balancing hormones and fighting estrogen dominance.
Diet
Following a healthy diet can help relieve PMS symptoms. Eliminating processed foods, excess caffeine, sodium, and alcohol, while increasing protein, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes can help minimize symptoms. Similarly, eating enough fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens helps fight fatigue and gives your body much-needed iron and vitamin B.
Upping your water intake helps your digest and reduces bloating, as does eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. If you have a hard time drinking enough water, try flavoring it with strawberries, lemons, limes, or cucumbers.
Exercise
Regular exercise can also help control PMS symptoms. Research shows that yoga is a perfect option for alleviating pain, encouraging relaxation, and promoting positive mental health.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate PMS symptoms and lead to adrenal fatigue, so practicing meditation or other calming techniques can help you manage. Acupuncture treatment can help you relax while reducing pain, and getting plenty of sleep helps your body combat stress.
Supplements
Adding the following beneficial vitamin supplements to your daily routine can also help you manage painful PMS symptoms.
PMS Menstrual Cycle Support
Naturally aid your body during its menstrual cycle with a PMS symptom relief supplement, such as our PMS Calm. PMS Calm is a comprehensive blend of Native American and Chinese herbs traditionally used to provide balance and support for a healthy menstrual cycle.
CalciumResearchers found that taking an effective calcium supplement lessened the occurrence of depression, mood swings, fluid retention, and sleep disruption for women suffering from PMS.
Vitamin B6 and MagnesiumResearch suggests that B vitamins, specifically B6, help reduce premenstrual symptoms. Studies also show that taking magnesium, especially in conjunction with B6, helps alleviate adverse menstrual symptoms.
SerotoninSerotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your whole body. Found in the intestines and brain, serotonin impacts mood and can cause PMS symptoms. A supplement such as 5-HTP can help regulate and support the body’s production of this vital substance.
Dr. Randolph’s Helps You Take Control of Your PMS
When you suffer from excruciating PMS symptoms each month, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment at Dr. Randolph’s Ageless and Wellness Center. When you see our expert team, we use a comprehensive screening to determine your hormone levels and determine if there is an imbalance. Once we have established these parameters, we can prescribe an effective bioidentical hormone regimen to suit your individual needs.
Your period is annoying enough — don’t let draining PMS symptoms make it worse. Contact us today to get your symptoms under control and get back to living.