That cramp in your lower abdomen, sensitive breasts, a temper to shoot, dropping things, craving sweet and fatty snacks. The scale suddenly shows a kilo more and you have a headache. Yes, yes, it's that time of the month again.
We often find it normal for women to experience discomfort around their period. However, for many women, it's worse than just some discomfort. If you recognize several of the above symptoms, you probably suffer from PMS, premenstrual syndrome. PMS is a collective term for a number of physical and psychological symptoms that occur before menstruation. Between 20 and 50% of women of reproductive age have a severe form of PMS. This is partly caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. The symptoms begin a few hours to two weeks before menstruation and usually disappear immediately afterwards.
What symptoms can you experience with PMS?
Symptoms can start two weeks before menstruation. In addition to physical complaints, the following psychological complaints regularly occur: confusion, depression, concentration problems, hot flashes, emotional hypersensitivity, and mood swings. Many women feel misunderstood with these complaints. Those around them often react with laughter to the above complaints before or during menstruation. While it can really hinder you.
Many doctors advise taking the birth control pill and keeping a diary of symptoms. For many, this is not the solution.
What can you do yourself to reduce your PMS symptoms?
- Relax enough and avoid stressors. Cortisol is one of the hormones released during stress and causes a long-term imbalance in your hormones.
- Exercise enough
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid sugar and fast carbohydrates
- Regulate your biorhythm because this has a lot of influence on your cycle. Sun on your face during the day and avoid blue light in the evening, such as TV, iPad, and your phone.
- Make sure you support your hormones with good nutrition. Especially healthy fats and proteins are important, because your hormones are built from these.
- Avoid soy. Soy changes the balance between estrogen and progesterone.
- Support a healthy hormone balance with supplements. If you want to know which supplements can reduce your PMS symptoms, we advise a supplement consultation with one of our therapists, so we can look at it with you very specifically!
- Seek distraction, do something that gives you new energy or helps you relax. Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of flowers instead of a chocolate bar.
Do you want to get started specifically with an orthomolecular therapist looking along? Then book a consultation.
