Are you “PMS-ing”?
Hey Gorgeous,
Premenstrual syndrome- mood swings, acne, headaches, tender breasts, you don’t have to accept this as a normal part of your monthly!
I feel sorry for the term PMS really. It is often used against or about women in an unjust manner. How often have we justified our own moods, emotions or behaviour with the line “I have PMS”? We are entitled to emotions after all and blaming thoughts or feelings solely on hormonal swings during your cycle isn’t always helpful. In fact if you learn to understand the role of oestrogen and progesterone on our mood you will soon see that these hormones are in fact HELPFUL when it comes to how a women feels throughout her cycle. Remember that oestrogen boosts your libido, confidence and basal metabolic rate? Ladies we need these hormones for more than simply fertility!
The trouble with PMS is when these hormones fall prior to menstruation (which is normal by the way). It isn’t so much the fall, but rather from how high your hormones fall. Let’s explain this by comparing oestrogen to sunshine. Too much sunlight exposure isn’t good for you right? And neither is not enough. Oestrogen is the same, we like her to be present but she can be a little overwhelming if she’s around for too long and in high amounts. If your oestrogen levels are high and then drop you will experience headaches, irritability and fatigue. No thank you!
Thankfully we have progesterone to “catch us” when oestrogen falls. So let’s focus on how we can make sure we have plenty of this hormone around when we need it most and to do that we have to optimise the health and longevity of the corpus luteum – your ovarian follicle post ovulation. Told you healthy hormones is so much more than making babies!
Here are some quickies (keeping with the fertility theme here today) for looking after your progesterone levels and help turn down the PMS noise before your monthly comes around:
- Magnesium: used in the production of hormones including, yes, progesterone. Food sources include nuts, seeds, figs and dark leafy greens. Focus on boosting your intake of these goodies or you may want to consider a magnesium supplement (check with your health professional first!)
- Selenium: also used in progesterone production. As well as the famous Brazil nut you can also find this beauty in seafood!
- Reduce stress: I sound like a broken record but I mean it. Stress impairs ovulation and therefore depletes your body of progesterone.
- Joyful movement: so important to move your body every day in a way that brings you joy! Exercise reduces stress and reduces inflammation, both of which are important if ya’ll wanna ovulate.
This topic is a biggie so perhaps it is best to discuss as a series rather than a one off. Stay tuned for more!
Please also note that period health is a LONG term project and there is no quick fix. Like most things consistency is key gorgeous. Are there any other topics you want to hear about? Get in touch!