PMS
There are over 150 different symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome which can have a major impact on your quality of life.
Symptoms arising between ovulation and the start of the cycle can vary from mood changes, irritability, anxiety and fatigue to bloating, digestive issues, acne and migraines. The good news is that there are many supports that can offer significant improvements and a more balanced cycle.
Key Facts
- Changes in hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, in the latter half of the cycle are often connected with PMS symptoms. It is not always low levels of hormones but rather a delicate balance and the fluctuation of these hormones that are important
- Regular blood tests do not always give sufficient information about hormones. We use functional medicine tests such as the DUTCH comprehensive hormone test to personalise protocols
- Your liver plays and important role in detoxifying and removing excess oestrogen. Your liver pathways can be measured and modified via diet and supplements
- Herbal formulas can be highly effective at balancing hormones and reducing PMS
- Some nutrient deficiencies have also been associated with PMS, most notably vitamin B6 and other B vitamins. Functional assessment of B vitamins can be very helpful.
Best Test Options
Patient Story
History
Katriona attended our clinic after many years of severe PMS symptoms including low mood, irritability, headache, sugar cravings and fatigue which made her work and family life difficult to deal with for two weeks out of every month. She felt that her hormones were ‘ruling her life’.
Tests
A DUTCH comprehensive hormone analysis revealed low progesterone and higher levels of oestrogen. Katriona was poorly detoxifying her oestrogen, which meant that the high levels were compounded by it slowly leaving the body instead of being properly managed.
Her overall cortisol production was low, likely from prolonged stress.
Markers of B6 and methylation were also low.
Plan
Katriona commenced a herbal tincture designed by our clinic with our herbalist/ pharmacist collaborator.
She also began a healthy eating plan to ensure her food intake was more balanced, to reduce cravings and support her energy throughout the cycle. Based on her detoxification profile, Katriona also increased her intake of brassica vegetables and took a mixed greens powder to supplement this. She also added in a B complex with magnesium to address her deficiencies and support stress.
Outcome
Katriona reported improvements to her PMS within her first cycle and stayed on the herbal tincture until her progress was assessed at 3 months. At this point, she felt much more balanced and energetic. Her sugar cravings and fatigue had reduced and her mood was considerably improved.
“I can hardly believe it, I feel like a totally different person. My mood is so much better, I am the same all the way through my cycle. I barely noticed when I got my period last month!”
Our expertise in this area includes:
