As women we spend so much time running around and focusing all of our attention on others rather than ourselves, may it be work, home or family. When we are run down we don’t have time to stop and ‘smell the daisies’ as they say; we must put up a strong and resilient front.
Pre-menstrual syndrome/ Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD (a more severe presentation of pre-menstrual complaints), affects many women, inhibiting their ability to be or feel like themselves, affecting mood, wellbeing and behaviours,
The 6 faces of PMS and their symptoms:
1. PMS with food cravings
- Cravings for sweets and refined carbohydrates
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Headaches or migraines
- Irritability, especially when hungry
2. PMS with mood changes
Anxiety
- Nervous tension
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Crying
- Increased sense of vulnerability
Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of interest in daily life
- Sadness
- Insomnia
3. PMS with fluid retention
- Breast fullness weight gain
- Abdominal bloating or discomfort
- Swollen extremities
4. PMS with pain
- Breast pain
- Dysmenorrhoea (painful/cramping menstruation)
- Headaches
- Reduced pain threshold
- Aches and pains
5. PMS and declining oestrogen
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of interest in daily life
- Sadness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Poor word – finding, memory loss
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Headaches or migraines
6. PMS and adrenal exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Mental fatigue, poor concentration
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Mood changes as outlined above
Lifestyle modifications you can implement to reduce PMS symptoms:
- Good nutrition increase fibre, eliminate sugars, refined carbohydrates and dairy
- Nutrients/supplements such as herbal treatment, B6 or Magnesium
- Gut health
- Detoxification and liver support
- Moving (movement is very important)
- Stress management
I specialise in women’s health, so if the above sounds like you, let’s make a plan on how you can manage and reduce these symptoms to get you back to being you. Call 9596 9930 to book an appointment or fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch!
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Category: Naturopathy & Nutrition