~ What causes PMS? ~
Honestly, I don’t think anyone knows exactly what causes PMS. Unlike what we have been told, it is not just too much or too little hormones. It’s probably a combo of various factors that leads to the symptoms of PMS including the hormones, neurotransmitters (those things in our brain that carry signals) as well as the environment.
Every month, close to 75% of women experience physical pain or emotional discomfort that can last anywhere between two-three days and 10-14 days. (Can you hear the cries of the rest of the world?!) There are more than 100 different PMS symptoms but the following are the most common:
-Irritability, anxiety and anger
-Depression
-Bloating
- Difficulty sleeping
-Trouble concentrating
-Food cravings
-Breast pain
One particular study actually found a way to classify and categorize PMS, although I must admit that most women I have spoken with seem to fit into just about all the categories. (I WARNED YOU THAT PMS SUCKS.) So here’s that guideline; let’s see how and where you fit:
PMS-A (anxiety) = Irritability, anxiety and mood swings are believed to be related to high levels of oestrogen and low levels of progesterone.
PMS-C (cravings) = Increased appetite, sugar cravings, headaches and even heart beat irregularities are probably brought on by changes in the insulin binding in the body.
PMS-D (depression) = Bouts of sadness, depression as well as “crying for no reason.” Again low oestrogen levels that perhaps lead to excessive breakdowns of serotonin, a very essential neurotransmitter.
PMS-H (hyper hydration) = Symptoms of weight gain, breast tenderness, puffy hands and feet and bloated tummy all coming from excess oestrogen and stress, and resulting in water retention.
So how do we fix it:
1. Exercise: Not necessarily intense, but definitely regular. Exercise appears to reduce oestrogen levels, improve glucose tolerance and raise endorphin levels.
2. Cut out sugar: Refined sugars deplete our magnesium levels and increase sodium and water retention. So cut out the Danish, croissants, cakes and sodas in exchange for some fibre-rich foods and water.
3. Eliminate the caffeine: Linked to breast tenderness, anxiety and difficulty sleeping during PMS and made worse when you add sugar. Stop or limit your intake during this phase.
4. Take a probiotic: Healthy bacteria can decrease the symptoms of PMS.
5. Take a calcium & magnesium supplement: Both mood and physical symptoms of PMS are improved with daily use of calcium. Magnesium deficiency causes tiredness, mental confusion, menstrual cramps, insomnia and muscle aches and pains.
6. Take B vitamins: Especially B6, which can ease PMS symptoms by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine. And if that wasn’t good enough, without B6, magnesium has difficulty getting to the cells.
7. Dong Quai: Herb with properties that help as a uterine tonic. In fact, it can be used for menopause, painful menstruation and no menstruation.
8. ChasteBerry: I left my best for last. This is probably the single most important herb in the treatment of PMS. It appears that ChasteBerry (aka Vitex) positively impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary glands; these being actually the start-up lines for hormone production in the body. ChasteBerry helps to normalize the secretion of several hormones and is an herb that is best taken daily throughout the cycle.
While it is the hope that this article and the information provided will help you in your quest to manage your PMS symptoms, you are actually the best expert in correcting the underlying imbalance you are experiencing. As 2015 retires and 2016 comes forth, may God give you direction and guidance to live a full life of grace and gladness. Go forward to meet it. Let’s live well, with love in our hearts towards God and all people.
Disclaimer: WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. My advice should never replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
