Don’t Stress PMS!
By Pamela Frank
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
You live with PMS symptoms because you are a woman, strong and stoic, but did you know that PMS does not have to be a fact of life every month? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affects 75 - 90% of women at some point, making it very common, but it is certainly not healthy. PMS is defined as a collection of symptoms that typically occur for 1 - 2 weeks before menstruation, followed by improvement for 2-3 weeks and may include the following:
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Backaches
- Bloated abdomen
- Constipation
- Cramping
- Crying spells
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional hypersensitivity
- Excessive hunger
- Food cravings
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches or migraines
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Joint pains
- Low libido
- Mood swings
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Suicidal thoughts
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Withdrawal
What Can You Do?
Address the root cause of the problem; don’t settle for just easing symptoms. PMS is caused by nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar instability, hormonal imbalances and/or hormone fluctuations throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.
1. Plastics, pollutants and animal fats can contain hormones or hormone-like chemicals. To avoid them:
· Eat lots of organic fruit and vegetables
· Eat organic meats and dairy products (if desired)
· Store food and drinks in glass containers
· Avoid petroleum based personal care products like baby oil, foundation and lipstick
2. B vitamins help the liver metabolize estrogen, support the adrenals (your stress glands) and help produce serotonin, a mood elevating hormone.
3. Vitex or Chastetree berry has a progesterone enhancing effect that offsets excess estrogen that can cause PMS. I do not recommend self-medicating with herbs; seek advice from a qualified naturopathic doctor. This herb is not safe if pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Improve the liver’s ability to detoxify and eliminate excess hormones and all toxins.
5. Stabilize blood sugar levels through exercise, healthy diet and supplements like chromium, vanadium and cinnamon.
6. Magnesium helps relax muscle tension and supports healthy serotonin production. Serotonin is a mood elevating neurotransmitter that can help you feel more upbeat.
7. Fish oil and evening primrose oil can help balance prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins can have an inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory effect, the key is a healthy balance of essential fatty acids.
These are just a few of the many means that I use as a naturopathic doctor to normalize hormones and ensure month-long health and happiness.
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Dr. Pamela Frank, ND maintains a busy, diverse naturopathic practice with a special interest in women’s health and fertility. Pamela was twice voted “Best Naturopath in Toronto” by the readers of NOW magazine. She has been the clinic director at Forces of Nature in Toronto ON for the past 9 years and is a member in good standing of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Pamela can be reached at Forces of Nature at 416.481.0222 or by email at PFrankND@ForcesofNature.ca For more information visit http://www.ForcesofNature.ca or http://www.NaturopathToronto.ca |
