While PMS is common, it doesn't make it normal, and it definitely doesn't mean you just have to live with it.
PMS is an umbrella term that includes the physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms that show up after ovulation and settle once your period starts.The body ‘speaks’ in symptoms and PMS can show up as mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings, headaches, disrupted sleep, skin breakouts and the list continues. If you're experiencing one or more of these, it's your body's way of telling you something is not quite in balance.
In mainstream medicine, there aren't many tools in a doctor's toolbox to treat PMS, and this is why the pill is one of the most prescribed medications for 'treating' hormonal imbalances. It can work, by temporarily suppressing symptoms, but the problem is just that. It isn't addressing the root cause, and when you come off the pill, these symptoms are highly likely going to be there still, and in many cases alongside other hormonal imbalances.
This is because the pill doesn't correct a hormonal imbalance. It pauses your natural cycle altogether, switching off ovulation and replacing your own self-made hormone fluctuations with a steady synthetic dose. For some women this may be a genuinely helpful, considered choice with their doctor. But it's important to know what it can and can't do... and even more important to know that there ARE natural alternatives to truly treat underlying hormonal imbalances which will alleviate symptoms for good.
So what's actually in your control?
Your diet is number one. The Mediterranean diet contains high levels of healthy fats:
oily fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, antioxidants from colourful veg and fruits, and protein at
every meal. Fats are literally the building blocks for hormone production, and they lower
prostaglandins, the inflammatory compounds behind period pain, cramping and acne,
which is one of the biggest reasons women end up on the pill in the first place.
Blood sugar stability. Skipping meals or riding sugar highs and crashes amplifies
irritability and mood swings. It can also worsen hormonal imbalances. Having protein at
each meal can steady blood sugar and make a profound difference.
Gentle detoxification. I do not mean a crazy detox diet or supplement regime, but more
so through your day to day. Excess hormones clear through your liver, skin, gut and
bowel. If you have circulating toxins it can show up on your skin and cause painful
periods. Leafy greens, dandelion root tea, apple cider vinegar in water with lemon, garlic
and onion, 2-3L of filtered water, and daily bowel movements can make a big difference.
Sleep. Aim for lights out before 10pm and 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Your hormones are
made and cleared largely while you sleep, this is when the liver does its detox work and
when cortisol resets for the next day. Poor sleep keeps cortisol elevated, which throws
off the balance between oestrogen and progesterone and makes PMS symptoms worse.
Targeted herbal support. This is where something like State of Sí's In Flow formula can
help. Ashwagandha and Siberian ginseng traditionally support the body's stress
response, chamomile and motherwort are traditionally used to calm irritability and
support the nervous system, cramp bark is traditionally used for menstrual cramping,
and zinc, selenium and B6 support hormone production and mood.
If you’re really unsure, test, don't guess. If you're really unsure what's going on, a
simple hormone blood test can provide so many answers. Working with a practitioner is
best here.
I hope this empowers you to know there are many options, the pill is not the only one.
Ema
x
