PMS is suck!

PMS symptoms

• mood swings
• irritability
• depression
• anxiety
• angry outbursts
• confusion or fuzzy thinking
• tearfulness
• fatigue
• insomnia
• changes in libido
• overeating
• cravings, especially for salty or sweet foods
• alcohol intolerance
• acne
• hives
• abdominal and pelvic cramps
• bloating
• weight gain
• headaches
• menstrual migraines
• breast swelling and pain
• edema (visible swelling, particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
• asthma
• sinus problems
• sore throat
• worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers
• difficulty with coordination, being more prone to accidents
• dizziness, decreased balance
• heart pounding (palpitation)
• nausea
• fainting
• urinary problems

PMS often worsens over time. As symptoms become more prolonged, the symptom-free portion of the cycle shrinks. Some women experience PMS symptoms virtually all month. Fortunately, women with mild to severe PMS can find relief naturally by giving their bodies the support they need to regulate hormonal balance.

Emotional stress and PMS

When you feel stressed out, your levels of cortisol and adrenaline — those “fight or flight” hormones — surge. Chronic stress leads to chronically high levels of these hormones, which result in depleted adrenal glands and fatigue. Most of the time, our bodies compensate for this depletion by relying on stimulants that trigger the central nervous system (like caffeine and nicotine), or on other hormones (like insulin) to maintain blood sugar and neurotransmitter levels. This explains why women often have strong PMS cravings for sugary treats — and why so many over-the-counter preparations for PMS contain caffeine.

When our reproductive hormones begin to shift, either in PMS or in perimenopause, the body’s ability to compensate is temporarily compromised. How you feel premenstrually shows you how well your body and mind are coping with stress. If you have symptoms, one of the best things you can do is begin to honestly address your emotional health — and this includes unresolved issues from the past — your “story.”