Understanding

Premenstrual Syndrome

What is premenstrual syndromE (PMS)?

Premenstrual Syndrome most commonly referred to as PMS, is a cyclic physiological, psychological and behavioural series of changes that occurs in the body before and during your menses, known as the Luteal Phase, which occurs after ovulation, when the ovaries release an ovum (egg). The luteal phase is day 15 to 28 or approximately 12-14 days after ovulation has occurred. 

The luteal phase is where the hormone progesterone increases which then tells the body to prepare the uterus to thicken its lining in preparation of possible pregnancy. 

cause of premenstrual syndrome

Apart from the obvious that your body is preparing for its menses. In the medical field, the cause of PMS is unknown. However we have compiled a list of areas that could be the cause of your PMS and hormone imbalances, and that can affect the severity of the feelings and symptoms commonly associated with PMS

  1.  Hormone imbalance due to rapid shifts in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones imbalances can influence the neurotransmitters that send signals to your brain, gut and endocrine system (the system where our hormones are in play).
  2. A drop in progesterone which occurs in the luteal phase after ovulation which occurs on day 14, (day 1 being the first day of the last menses). At this time there is also an increase in the production of prostaglandins which constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and make its muscle layer contract, causing painful cramps¹ 
  3. Possible cause by low serotonin or serotonin deficiency which is a key neurotransmitter
  4. Poor diet leading to hormone imbalances
  5. Lack of good sleep, again affecting mood and hormone imbalances

signs and symptoms

There are over 150 signs and symptoms that have been attributed to PMS, here are some of the main symptoms that you might experience.

BREASTS & REPRODUCTIVE

  • Tender & Enlarged breasts, muscular tenderness
  • Uterine cramping
  • Altered libido, decreased libido

GENERAL

  • Tension, Reduced concentration, Headache
  • Acne
  • Oedema, Swelling of fingers, hands face, legs, & ankles
  • Sweating, Hot flashes, 
  • Weight gain
  • Hives
  • Nausea, Bruising, 
  • Greasy skin or hair
  • Joint tenderness

PSYCHOLOGICAL

  • Mood swings, Aggression, 
  • Fatigue, Tiredness, Confusion
  • Irritability, Nervous
  • Anxiety, Depression 
  • Increased allergic response

GASTROINTESTINAL

  • Abdominal bloating 
  • Constipation or possible diarrhoea
  • Change in appetite (getting more cravings than usual)
  • Bladder problems
  • Ovarian pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Backache

what your doctor will offer you

1. If you present to your doctor of PMS then you may be offered the oral contraceptive pill.

2. If you are low or depressed, your doctor may offer you anti-depressants or even counselling.

However both of these approaches to not address the cause of the PMS. You may want to consider the list of causes and work through which apply to you and then address these areas first. 

Supporting premenstrual syndrome!

There are plenty of things you can do to support yourself before PMS kicks in. The first thing we always do at Ultimate Health is to Reboot! 10, 20 or 30 days which ever suits you and the severity of your PMS. Ultimate Health specialises in this so if you need help or a group to get motivated with click this LINK.

Get some exercise in. Exercise helps to balance blood sugars, increase good hormones like serotonin and will decrease any anzity, stress and irregular sleep patterns.

Talking of sleep, get a good night of it. Go to bed when you start yawning and lights out by 10 or 10.30pm so that your body can experience a full night of the 4 sleep waves (which start around 10.30pm)

You may want to try other amazing natural therapies over the oral contracepitve pill that will also mess with your hormnes, like homeopathy, or acupuncture, Herbal medicines are good too. The complete PMS protocol is available in the Ultimate Health members program.

Get educated!

PMS is something that can be balanced out with a Reboot. After a reboot you will find that your symptoms melt away and you feel balanced and far better. In our modern lifestyle we do not give our body the chance to have a break. These rich foods, high fat, sugar, and salt diets produces a lot of complications one of which is PMS due to pressure on the liver, kidneys, our hormones (managed by the endocrine system), and so on.  Learn about your Menstrual Cycle to understand the beauty and complexity of the female reproductive system. Learn more – CLICK HERE.

Take the next step to prevent illnesses & health issues,

Join Ultimate Health, Your Journey Starts Here!

At Ultimate Health we look for prevention and treating the cause. We always start by wiping the slate clean with a Reboot and then looking to help support your body to heal using natural proven principles. Naturopathic solutions and a protocol that supports your body and every system that it runs. We help you to manage the many multifunctional influences that can cause conditions like this in the first place. Detoxification is key, as well as reducing internal inflammation, getting conscious about your health and finding out what is actually healthy for you.  If you need a map we have the One Clear Path to support your entire journey to your Ultimate Health.

Here are the Pathways we use to support you:

  1. Detoxification
  2. Group Support
  3. One to One consultations
  4. Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
  5. Meal Plans that are done for you
  6. Education on the Real Truth about What is Actually Healthy, not just what the media tells you is “Healthy“.

credits

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resources

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References

1. Durain D. Primary dysmenorrhea: assessment and management update. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2004;49:520-528

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