Premenstrual Syndrome
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome is a hormonal shift that occurs in the estrogen/progesterone ratio, usually causing premenstrual symptoms during the menstrual cycle. Most of the symptoms occur in a two week time frame before menstruation. The food and environment in which we live have an important role in hormone imbalance.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman, but some of the most common symptoms include:
• irritability or mood swings
• bloating or water retention
• cramps
• depression
• anxiety
• migraines or headaches
What are the pre-disposing factors of PMS?
For the most part, your genetics will determine if you get any symptoms of PMS. However, there are some factors that might make your PMS worse, including a sensitivity to carbohydrates, obesity, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and/or excessive use of alcohol or tobacco.
"References"
Chinese Patent Medicine. Hong Kong: Chinese Patent Medicine and Medicated Liquor Exhibition, 1972. Print.
Holmes, Peter. Jade Remedies. a Chinese Herbal Reference for the West. Boulder (Colo.): Snow Lotus, 1996. Print.
Rector-Page, Linda G., and Sarah Abernathy. Healthy Healing. California: Healthy Healing, 2011. Print.
Weil, Andrew. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self-care. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990