Premenstrual syndrome: an unavoidable fate?

Nowadays, many women are affected by the famous premenstrual syndrome, a syndrome that can become a real ordeal in the long term. While it is normal to experience some discomfort before and during your period, it is not normal for this discomfort to become problematic or even debilitating. Especially since there are many natural solutions to overcome this not always pleasant period. Naturopathy offers you these solutions. Today, I suggest we take a look at the different methods that can help you alleviate your PMS.

I would like to remind you that naturopathy is an alternative medicine. It does not in any way replace a consultation with a doctor. Similarly, the advice you will find in this article is general and does not replace a consultation with a naturopath. In naturopathy, we are committed to supporting people individually so that the lifestyle implemented is 100% adapted to your needs! Furthermore, a naturopath will look for the cause of the problem, which is different from person to person, and this obviously applies to the PMS we are talking about today.

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PMS largely stems from a hormonal imbalance. Let me explain: in the second half of the cycle, i.e., the luteal phase, progesterone levels should be higher than estrogen levels for everything to go smoothly. We then have three possible scenarios.

1. Progesterone level is higher than estrogen level: No problem
2. Progesterone is not produced in sufficient quantity, so estrogen level becomes higher: Problem
3. Progesterone is produced in sufficient quantity, but estrogen is produced in too large a quantity! So estrogen level becomes higher: Problem

Where to start?

As you can understand, it's all about hormones. It is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels that causes PMS. The first thing to do will be to identify your symptoms, which can be diverse and varied:

• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Mood swings: anger, depression, stress…
• Tender breasts
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Fatigue, low energy

The list is not exhaustive, there are many other symptoms! Next, the second thing to do will be to identify the cause of this hormonal imbalance. For this, I advise you to consult a health professional (doctor, naturopath, gynecologist, etc.) who will be able to pinpoint the various causes of this imbalance:

• Chronic stress
• Poor diet: deficiencies, processed foods
• Sleep disorders
• Overburdened liver
• Emotional shock

4 tips to combat premenstrual syndrome

Working on your stress:

This is the most common cause of PMS! Indeed, stress leads to the production of cortisol, and this production prevents the secretion of progesterone, and remember, less progesterone = PMS! You will then need to work on your stress; you can implement breathing exercises, meditation, physical activity, yoga... Don't forget to also identify the source of this stress to address it thoroughly. The important thing is truly to relax and eliminate stress as much as possible to restore hormonal balance. This advice also includes sleep because, in my opinion, stress and sleep are intimately linked; you will need to ensure you get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Furthermore, quality and regular sleep will affect hormone secretion.

Changing your diet during the luteal phase:

To combat pain related to premenstrual syndrome, you will need to change your diet and favor an anti-inflammatory diet. You will need to eliminate high-GI foods, refined foods, processed foods, high-temperature cooking, bad fats, and avoid snacking! The best approach is to favor low-GI foods, gentle cooking methods (steaming, papillotes...), whole grains, include enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, consume seeds and oilseeds (chia, cashew, almond, flax...) for a qualitative intake of good fats and omega-3s... It is truly necessary to return to a living and as natural a diet as possible.

Phytotherapy :

The best plant for PMS is Chasteberry, which has a progestogenic hormonal action! You can therefore use it as an herbal tea from the eighth to the twenty-first day of your cycle, 2 to 3 times a day. Please note, this plant is contraindicated for women who have had hormone-dependent cancer, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or during an IVF protocol.

Pampering your liver:

The liver is a very important organ for maintaining good hormonal balance! Specifically, it is responsible for breaking down the estrogens circulating in our bodies. The problem is that if the liver is overloaded with toxins (due to modern diet, pollution, stress, etc.), it will focus on eliminating them. As a result, it will not take the time to break down excess estrogens. For good hormonal balance, a healthy liver is essential. You can then undergo a detoxification cure with a naturopath. You can also take Milk Thistle in capsules or Rosemary in herbal tea. A new lifestyle will need to be put in place so that your liver no longer gets overloaded.

I would conclude this article by telling you that no, premenstrual syndrome is not inevitable! It is entirely possible to overcome it naturally. I have presented a few tips here, but many others exist. Keep in mind that thorough work and finding the root cause remain paramount to eliminating PMS from your life. Do not hesitate to consult a naturopath to help you on this path. You will find hormonal balance that will allow you to live your cycle in the best possible way. Furthermore, for more softness and better comfort during this period, our organic cotton menstrual panties are ideal.

Chloé Lagodzinski - Naturopath and lithotherapist - General naturopathy consultations and support, specialized in female disorders, PCOS. I support you towards natural health

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