Treating PMS and PMDD Naturally

Premenstrual symptoms don’t have to be a part of life. There are treatments that can help.

The week before their period can be a difficult time for many women. Some of the most common physical symptoms  they might experience include

• Bloating
• Fluid retention
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Acne
• Constipation or diarrhea

Common emotional and behavioural symptoms can include

• Tension or anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Crying spells
• Mood swings
• Irritability or anger
• Food cravings
• Poor concentration

However, there are many other symptoms that can be experienced.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term for the broad range of symptoms experienced by women in the days leading up to their period. Up to 90% of women experience at least one symptom most months, and around 50% experience at least 2 symptoms each month. These symptoms generally start between 4 and 10 days before menstruation, and usually resolve once bleeding begins.

The exact cause of PMS isn’t known,  however it is very likely due to fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, particularly estrogen and progesterone. It may also involve changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin.

What is PMDD?

As well as their physical symptoms, an estimated 3-8% of women experience debilitating mood or psychological symptoms (such as depression or irritability) that impact on their daily lives, and may even prevent them from holding down a job. This condition is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

A woman with PMDD will normally suffer from these symptoms in the week before their period, but once their period has finished she will return to her regular self again.

What Causes PMS?

Control of the hormonal balance in the body is a complex process, as reproductive hormones can be influenced by

• Stress levels- the adrenal glands require progesterone to produce the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress causes high cortisol levels, which results in decreased progesterone levels in the body. Lower levels of progesterone in turn will cause higher levels of estrogen, which creates a state of estrogen dominance in the body.
• Thyroid disruption- if chronic stress has caused estrogen dominance, this can then affect the thyroid gland. Imbalanced estrogen levels can decrease the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3). Additionally, another stress hormone– adrenaline (also produced by the adrenals) – causes estrogens to be converted into another form that increases the adrenaline levels even more. High adrenaline will actually slow down the thyroid, adding to the problem. Symptoms of low thyroid can include fatigue, weight gain, muscle aches and weakness, memory problems, depression or anxiety, and brain fog (forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating).
• The pituitary gland- this is a pea-shaped organ at the base of your brain, in line with the top of your nose. It is often known as the ‘master gland’, as it produces the hormones which control the ovaries, adrenals, thyroid, etc.

The pituitary gland lives in a hollow in the sphenoid bone, which sits behind the bones of your face. If there is a misalignment of the sphenoid bone, it can create pressure on the pituitary gland, which may disrupt the hormone-producing glands it controls.

• Hormone disruptors– also called endocrine disruptors. These are man-made chemicals that can mimic the natural hormones in the body, especially estrogen. Estrogen receptors are found throughout the body but especially in the breast, vaginal and uterine tissues. Normally estrogen attaches to these receptors and tells these tissues what to do. However if endocrine disruptors attach to them instead, the tissues will not behave as they should. And as the estrogen is not being taken up by the receptors, the estrogen levels in the body will be higher than they should, impacting the estrogen-progesterone balance.
• Other factors that can influence hormone levels include exercise, alcohol, smoking, and excessive or too low weight.

Contrary to popular belief, this condition is not the result of high or low hormone levels, but instead due to an increased sensitivity to hormones in the lead-up to menstruation. This sensitivity is caused by an interaction between hormones from the ovaries and brain neurotransmitters, which influence mood.

The exact causes of this sensitivity aren’t fully understood, but rates are higher in women who have experienced early childhood trauma or have a history of depression. PMDD  can also occur after having a baby or when approaching menopause, as the way some women’s brains react to these hormones can change at these times

Most natural approaches for treating these conditions involves balancing the hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, though treatments for the neurotransmitters in the brain may be included as well.

In acupuncture, it is believed that PMS symptoms often indicate a weakness or imbalance in other organs of the body. For example, if a woman experiences bad bloating before her period, this can indicate a weak digestion. Or if she suffers pre-menstrual fatigue, it might mean that her thyroid is not working well. So the affected organs would be treated as well as the hormones.

Bio-Chemical Treatments

Everything that occurs in the human body depends on specific chemical pathways. (For example, when you cut yourself, chemicals are released from the damaged blood vessel which trigger the first of 11 consecutive chemical reactions, to form a blood clot and stop the bleeding.) A good naturopath will be familiar with the relevant chemical pathways, and know where they can break down, and what nutrients can be used to correct them. These nutrients might be in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or more powerful naturally-occurring compounds. Some of the more basic nutrients that might be used for PMS and PMDD include

• Vitamin B6, which has been shown to have a significant impact on the production of the  neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA, which control depression, pain perception and anxiety
• The chaste tree (vitex agnus-castus) herbal extract can reduce mood swings and irritability.
• Lemon balm herbal extract
• Therapeutic doses of magnesium and calcium

However, most cases of PMS or PMDD will need much more advanced treatments than these.

Free Assessment

Getting the correct hormonal balance can be complex, and the treatment can vary greatly from one woman to the next. Once the causes of the problem are identified, a tailored treatment plan can be created for that person.

We are currently offering a limited number of free Comprehensive Assessments. (Terms and conditions: the Assessment is a completely free service, with no obligations whatsoever.)

The Assessment helps to identify:

• What is going on in your body
• What is working properly, and what is not
• What is causing the problem
• The best way to sort it out

If you would like to book in for an Assessment, please give us a call on 3376 6911, or you can book online using the link at the top of the page.

Be well, and enjoy a great life!