Premenstrual Syndrome is emotional and physical symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur one or two weeks before a woman’s period and usually vary between women. Can affects women who are in their teens through perimenopause.

The causes of PMS are usually a change in hormones during the menstrual cycle. Chemical changes in the brain can be involved. Also stress and emotional problems seem to worsen symptoms. Other causes include:

  • Lack of vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium
  • High stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Too much caffeine and or alcohol
Do you have PMS symptoms?
  • Swollen and tender breasts
  • Tired and lack of energy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Upset stomach, bloating, constipation and diarrhea
  • Headache, backache and cramps
  • Joint and or muscle pain
  • Appetite change or food cravings
  • Trouble with concentrating or memory
  • Anxiety, tension, depression irritability and mood swings

If you are experiencing PMS symptoms there are treatment options to consider. They include:

  • Lifestyle changes – exercise, eat healthy (fruits, vegetables and whole grains), avoid salty and sugary foods as well as caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, find a way to cope with stress and don’t smoke
  • Medications – Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol Cramps), Ketoprofen (Orudis KT), Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin, and Birth control pills
  • Vitamins – Folic acid, Calcium with vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E
  • Herbals – Chasteberry, Dong quai, Maca, Black cohosh, Lemon balm, Wild yam, Burdock, Ginkgo, St John’s wort, Chromium, Calcium, Magnesium and vitamin B6. Our recommended supplements are available online at https://www.healthwavehq.com/welcome/integrativehormoneconsulting
Don’t suffer any longer:

I have been working with patients and physicians for 17 years. As you have read there are many aspects to having normal menses. Some symptoms are simple to treat. Others require life style change and some supplements. If you or someone you know is suffering from PMS symptoms schedule an appointment.

Personal note: many times, birth control pills are given to abate symptoms of PMS. In my opinion, while this can work, this masks the underlying cause. Especially in teenage women. This is the time to find the cause of the imbalance and correct it.