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What is PMS?
PMS is a disorder characterized by a
set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms for up
to two weeks prior to menstruation. Often symptoms tend to taper
off with menstruation and women remain symptom-free until the
two weeks or so prior to the next menstrual period. Then the
symptoms begin again.
Characteristics
Many symptoms have been
attributed to PMS. After complaints of feeling “out-of-control”,
anxious, depressed and having uncontrollable crying spells, the
most common complaints are headache and fatigue. But symptoms
may vary from month to month and there may even be symptom-free
months. Symptoms may be both physical and emotional. Symptoms
usually occur 2 weeks prior to onset of the menstrual cycle.
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Physical Symptoms
- Headache - Migraine -
Depression
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Backache
- Abdominal cramping
- Fluid retention
- Weight gain
- Heart palpitations |
Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Tension
- Lack of coordination
- Lowered libido
- Decreased work or social performance
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of being “out of control” |
Possible Causes
PMS seems to be related to
fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.
The following are considered as causes of PMS:
• Estrogen-progesterone
imbalance (Estrogen dominance)
• Stress and higher levels of cortisol (cortisol competes
with progesterone for common receptors)
• Carbohydrate metabolism changes
• Retention of sodium and water by the kidneys
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Recommendations:
The following recommendations can
help reduce the occurrence of PMS symptoms.
• Correct estrogen dominance
with Natural Progesterone Crème
• Regular exercise (3 to 5 times each week)
• Eat a plant – based, fiber-rich diet of fresh, organic
vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains and
legumes.
• Get Adequate sleep and rest
• Take a daily multivitamin/mineral that includes zing (10
mg), B complex (all of the B vitamins), vitamin C (500-1000
mg), magnesium (300-400 mg) and Vitamin E (400 IU). In
addition take vitamin B6 (50 mg).
• Take Borage Oil or Evening Primrose Oil to treat symptoms
(400 mg GLA oils once or twice daily)
Don’t give up! According to Dr.
Lee, it may take up to 3 months of consistent use of
progesterone crème to see results, although many women report
feeling better in a very short time. Then continue using your
natural progesterone to keep your hormones balanced.
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