PMS is disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger troublesome symptoms generally a week to two prior to the onset of your menstrual cycle. The symptoms associated with PMS are related to an over-sensitization of the sex hormones produced in a woman’s body and her inability to process these hormones. Every woman responds to her own cyclical hormones differently. There are many causes for PMS, many of which, are also the same causes for menopausal symptoms (see section under Menopause and Perimenopause). An overburdened liver is one contributing factor to PMS while already overloaded with toxins (chemicals, drugs-including birth control pills, sugar, etc.); it’s unable to break down the body’s own hormones, which leads to a woman being congested with her own hormones.
Another cause is an imbalance in the endocrine system. Poor nutrition and digestion also can lead to symptoms of PMS, as can a syndrome called estrogen dominance. Stress also plays a big part in PMS. Stress produces elevated cortisol (stress hormone produced by the adrenals) levels, which contribute to many health problems and symptoms associated with PMS. Severity and the range of symptoms vary from woman to woman.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
-Bloating
-Water retention
-Breast tenderness
-Cramps
-Headaches
-Irritability, mood swings
-Food cravings
Some suggested holistic health supplements to help with PMS include:
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