Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that usually manifest a few weeks before a ladies period. PMS symptoms can vary from one woman to another from severe to very few symptoms. Common PMS symptoms include: headache, bloating, weight gain, irritability, depression, weight gain, acne, breast swelling and breast tenderness. The definitive cause of PMS is unknown, however several possibilities are known.

Hormonal changes are a primary factor, throughout a menstrual cycle oestrogen and progesterone can rise and fall and can result in chemical changes in the brain. These changes affect the level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter primarily found in the GI tract and is known to contribute to happiness, wellbeing mood and appetite. Therefore digestive changes may also occur during PMS , which explains the weight gain and hence low mood. Slower digestion will lead to minimal nutrients delivered around the body and may even lead to malabsorption. Other factors that may contribute to PMS are weight and lifestyle. Nutrition is a critical factor, eating a diet high in inflammatory foods such as: fried foods, cakes, chocolate, fizzy drinks, food with stabilizers, e numbers, meats loaded with hormones (go organic) and unhealthy fats can all lead to heightened PMS symptoms. Eating a healthy balanced diet, organic meats, fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and pulses can aid and reduce PMS symptoms. Increased inflammation in the body as a result of a poor diet can lead to increased pain.

A healthy and active lifestyle can facilitate many physiological pathways in the human body. As discussed previously, serotonin which is a neurotransmitter is also released when exercising. In addition to serotonin, endorphins are released by the body, when you exercise, endorphins interact with receptors in the brain and reduce your perception of pain.

With correct knowledge and implementation of this knowledge, many women can overcome or reduce PMS symptoms. Unfortunately, there are many allopathic drugs that PMS sufferers use such as: ibuprofen, paracetamol and the contraceptive pill. In my opinion it is always better to identify the root cause and work on that. If no root cause is identified it is better to start working on diet and lifestyle as discussed. In addition it would be beneficial to take a blood test and test for deficiencies. Low iron can cause heavy periods, heavy periods will further create lethargy and mood swings.

To summarise, if you suffer from PMS;

1. Identify a root cause.
2. Try hijama/wet cupping (with a licensed practitioner) followed by a clean/tayyib diet.
3. Eat healthier
4. Exercise
5. If you are deficient in a vitamin try source that through your diet or take a good supplement.

We do specialize in a novel Integrative Therapy Program. This involves a deeper look and focus on nutritional and biochemical imbalances in the body that lead to ill health. A review of the client’s health history, lifestyle and diet. Evaluate change through a bespoke assessment for each client. Deliver nutrition education tailored to each client’s condition to assist the client. Counsel and provide preventative consultative advice related to the clients condition