For many women, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is an all too familiar “frenemy” that shows up early to the period party every month, bringing with her a posse of uninvited guests. Before the main event – your period– begins, fluctuating hormone levels kick off a broad spectrum of physical and emotional symptoms, typically during the time between ovulation and menstruation. Collectively, this is known as PMS.
While it’s normal to feel a little moody, anxious or irritable before and during your period, these symptoms may regularly leave you feeling out of sorts, or not yourself. Some women can even experience more severe and disabling mood shifts.
But the good news is that rather than wishing your womb away, there are things you can do to make your cycle flow more smoothly. We often accept PMS symptoms as “normal” when a simple change could make a big difference.
Monitoring and mapping your physical and mental symptoms (over the course of several cycles), can help you learn the language of your cycle. If mood changes, depression or anxiety persist all month and are having a significant or debilitating effect on your life, speak to your healthcare practitioner to explore other possibilities aside from PMS.
Discover more…click on the link below for patient handouts:
• Happy Hormones booklet
• Menstrual Cycle Tracker • Go With Your Flow PMS Tracker