I used to think that not only was PMS normal, but that everyone experienced it differently, and that was just the way it was. It wasn't until I learned, through my herbal course, that there are actually 5 different types of PMS *mind blown* and they all require a little bit different treatment! Below you will find a breakdown of all the types of PMS including symptoms, causes and some helpful ways to treat them at home!
PMS-A = Anxiety
High Estrogen
This type of PMS is the most common and is what I treat most in my practice. It's characterized by having high estrogen + low progesterone.
Symptoms: anxiety, irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness.
Causes: poor liver function, xenoestrogens, stress, constipation.
Treatment: increase cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts). eat more fibre, take bitters before meals to promote liver function, reduce the use of plastics + chemicals in everyday life (cleaning products, skincare, make up products, etc), reduce/eliminate dairy intake. take the herb vitex/chasteberry to raise progesterone which in turn will lower estrogen.
*check with your healthcare practitioner*
PMS-B = Bloating
High Cortisol + High Aldosterone
Symptoms: bloating, water retention, weight gain before cycle, breast swelling, craving salty foods.
Causes: stress, high sodium diets
Treatment: work on reducing stress in your daily life (yoga, meditation, journalling), focus on getting quality sleep (8+ hours nightly), gentle daily exercise, taking adaptogens to increase resilience to stress, lower sodium intake, try drinking a diuretic herbal tea like dandelion.
PMS-C = Cravings
Insulin Resistance + Hypoglycemia
Symptoms: sugar + carb cravings, increased appetite, hypoglycaemic attacks (dizziness, shakiness + light headed if not eating regularly), headaches, fainting.
Causes: high carb diets, not eating balanced meals or not eating frequently, stress.
Treatment: eat balanced meals with an emphasis on protein + fats, don't skip meals, always keep a healthy snack with you, reduce stress (see above).
PMS-D = Depression
High Progesterone + Low Estrogen, Low Serotonin
Symptoms: depression, feeling low, crying, fatigue.
Causes: low estrogen in relation to progesterone, low serotonin, low body fat or weight, nutritional deficiency, magnesium deficiency.
Treatment: eat a nutrient dense diet (lots of veggies, good quality animal protein, fats, bone broth), take a magnesium supplement, gentle exercise rather then high intensity,
PMS-P = Pain