What is PMS? And is it normal?

Is it coming up to that time of the month and you’re feeling the intense mood swings that make you want to scream one minute and cry the next? Or maybe it’s the headaches, the acne or the bloating?

Well, us women have all been there (in fact about 90% of us)! And although this is the case, we all know experiencing these symptoms is not much fun! In some instances where your daily routine or activity is disrupted, these symptoms can be a sign of having Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

PMS can present on a physical and or emotional level and in extreme cases is known to be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is super important that we monitor these feelings of PMS, because PMDD cases need to be taken care of. That is why we are here to educate and make you aware that you don’t have to simply just push through it! And I am sure you will be happy to hear that there are things that can help!

But firstly, know that there is multiple causes for PMS and PMDD. One cause can result from a lack of the hormone known as progesterone. This is just one of the reasons why you can get those annoying physical symptoms such as bloating, and exhausting emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

It’s time you know that although PMS is super common, it doesn’t mean it is normal! So… instead of waiting each month for the PMS to pop up again we think it is time you take control!

There can be many reasons as to why you are not producing enough progesterone. It could be due to stress, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity and or antioxidant levels. These implications mentioned, can have a devastating impact on the mitochondria within your Lutein cells, the cells which are producing your essential progesterone.

Without these nutrients your energy producing organism within your Lutein cells may slow down or potentially become faulty:

• B vitamins
• Coenzyme Q10
• Antioxidants
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Lipoic acid
• Omega 3 fatty acids, .

To put it simply, when it comes to toxicity, we need be very weary of what we are exposed to on a daily basis. We are exposed to a bunch of chemicals on the daily, whether they are coming from our food, our cleaning products and even makeup. These toxins have the ability to effect and slow down the functioning of our Lutein cells, thus slowing down the production of progesterone. Therefore, in order to enhance the production of progesterone and potentially reduce the effects of PMS… next time you go giving your house a deep clean, buying that new makeup product that everyone is talking about, or grabbing that on the go meal from the convenience section at the supermarket… just stop and double check what you are actually exposing yourself to.

***Did you know: if you are on the contraceptive pill or the Mirena you are not producing sufficient progesterone.

A tip that we have to support your mitochondria in the production of essential hormones such as progesterone, is to ensure you are consuming enough antioxidants. The addition of antioxidants into you diet, can eliminate the effect of free radicals which are releases during hormone production.

Antioxidants can be consumed in the form of:

• Green tea (preferably organic)
• Blueberries, raspberries and goji berries
• Beetroot, spinach, pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes
• Garlic and walnuts.

And last but not least, make sure you are taking time out of the day to de-stress, whether that be:

• going for a stroll
• doing some yoga
• reading a book
• meditation.

Whatever it might be, we encourage you to take this much needed time.

So next time you’re craving that chocolate or screaming at your partner, just blame it on the PMS! But also remember you’re not alone and be aware that there is help when you need it :)