Most women will have to manage at least one PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) symptom in their life. If you have stopped to read this blog post, your PMS & PMDD symptoms may have started to take a toll on your daily life and you are looking for relief. These symptoms are often debilitating and directly impact your work life, personal relationships, and overall ability to enjoy what life brings you. I am happy to say that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there are natural ways to improve your PMS & PMDD symptoms.
What are the PMS & PMDD symptoms that women experience?
- Skin Breakouts
- Cramps & Bloating
- Breast Tenderness
- Constipation
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
Women who suffer from PMS or PMDD will effectively experience the same kind of symptoms. How do you identify which condition you are suffering from? The main identifier is the severity of the mood-related symptoms. Women who suffer from PMDD will often have a far more emotionally debilitating experience that directly impacts personal & professional relationships. If you feel as though your mood-related PMS symptoms are particularly serious (issues with concentration, control, and depression).
Let’s go over five natural remedies for PMS & PMDD symptoms.
1. Symptom Relief Through Hormone Balance
Every woman’s period is controlled by their regulation of hormones. Women need the perfect balance of estrogen within their bodies to avoid conditions such as PMS & PMDD from occurring. For many women, it is actually an overabundance of estrogen that causes these symptoms to arise. Functional medicine and hormone testing allow for your doctor to have a complete understanding of your hormone profile and what corrective measures can be taken. These corrective measures (some of which I am about to go over) will balance your hormones naturally instead of using artificial means (such as birth control) to provide temporary relief.
2. Symptom Relief Through Diet Changes
Your diet has a direct impact on PMS & PMDD symptoms experienced. One of the primary ways our bodies regulate estrogen levels is through the digestive tract. Your body will break down extra estrogen and release it through bowel movements. However; if your digestive tract is not regular, you give an opportunity for your intestinal tract to re-absorb this extra estrogen. We all know that adding extra fibre into your diet will help alleviate intestinal issues but this allows opens the door to speaking with your naturopathic doctor about your gut health and how a change in your diet can change your daily life.
3. Symptom Relief Through Supplementation
Vitamin & Mineral supplementation is another means of naturally alleviating PMS & PMDD symptoms experienced. Although you ideally want to get as much of your nutrients through your diet, I recognize that that is not always a possibility. These supplements may be helpful in managing PMS & PMDD symptoms for the following reasons.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid: Research shows that long-term exposure to a healthy level of omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms experienced.
- B Vitamins: Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 have all been shown to help reduce PMS & PMDD symptoms.
- Calcium D-Glucarate: Calcium D-Glucarate has been shown to help reduce estrogen levels by helping detox the liver and pushing excess estrogen through the urinary tract.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the most ignored minerals in western diets. Magnesium has a massive impact on how our body functions. Women with higher levels of magnesium in their blood experience more manageable PMS & PMDD symptoms.
It is always important to get the opinion of your health care provider before implementing a new supplement routine. Your health care provider will know your body, its deficiencies, and whether or not natural health products are safe for your consumption.
4. Symptom Relief Through Physical Exercise
Physical exercise is one of the cornerstones of women’s health. This is no different when trying to alleviate PMS & PMDD symptoms. Women who exercise daily experience mood elevation, improved blood circulation, reduced stomach discomfort, and increased motivation. Whether you are suffering from PMS & PMDD or not, physical exercise is one of the easiest ways to take your health into your own hands.
5. Symptom Relief Through Meditation
Finally, I would like to touch on meditation and fortifying your mental strength. The emotional and mood symptoms of PMS & PMDD are often the most debilitating. They can have a direct impact on your relationships in life and performance at work. Why not strengthen your brain & mind? Think of meditation as an exercise for your brain (as regular meditation has measurable changes in the brain’s structure). Consistent meditation and similar mind-related exercises allow women to take control of their PMS & PMDD.
Premenstrual Syndrome & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are conditions that the majority of women will have to manage in their lifetime. But us women are strong! We know how to implement natural and proactive solutions to take control of our lives, bodies, and relationships. I hope this blog provides insight into how you can improve your PMS & PMDD and how holistic medicine can improve your health.