There is always that period of time in every woman's life where the sea of blood flows in, and with it brings womanhood. For most girls between the age of 12–14 yrs old, their 1st menstrual flow comes and for some, it may come with a wave of physical pain/discomfort or a tide of overwhelming emotions. 

Our body's function is to be the house of our spirit, mind, and emotions. If one is out of balance then there is no way that they are all not affected because they are infinitely intertwined to make the unique beautiful being that is you.

The house foundation for a woman is their womb. If the foundation has cracks it can feel like painful cramps, plumbing problems can look like clots, and PMS can be that unwanted house guest that stays too long and makes you feel crazy. 

This is why I would like to offer you a free 20-min health consultation over the phone or in person, so we can discuss how Chinese and holistic medicine can help you.

Chinese medicine is a 5,000 yrs old holistic medicine practice that works naturally and helps the body, mind, and soul by using nature's abundant resources and your body's own energy. 

This is so symptoms don't come back or have to be managed every month. It is the cement to fill the cracks. The plumber who redirects the water system and the person who tells the unwanted house guest thank you for coming to visit, but now it is time for me to enjoy my house (body) without discomfort.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. It is thought to be caused by a hormone imbalance, in which levels of certain hormones fluctuate during different stages of the menstrual cycle.

Below are the signs and symptoms that your body may need some help, please don't hesitate to call us at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness. 

I've worked with little women just starting their cycle, wanting to get their garden fertile women, and wise women who are at the end of their cycle. 

It doesn't matter at what point of the mother, maiden, or crone cycle you are, Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness does have a place for you to rebalance, release and rejuvenate.

Symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide

• Feelings of tension or anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Mood swings or frequent crying

• Lasting irritability or anger that affects other people

• Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships

• Trouble thinking or focusing

• Tiredness or low energy

• Food cravings or binge-eating

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling out of control

Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain

You must have 5 or more of these symptoms to be diagnosed with PMDD. Symptoms occur during the week before your period and go away after the bleeding starts.

What is PMS?

Your doctor may diagnose PMS based on which symptoms you have, when they occur, and how much they affect your life. If you think you have PMS, keep track of which symptoms you have and how severe they are for a few months. 

Record your symptoms each day on a calendar or PMS symptom tracker (PDF, 66 KB). Take this form with you when you see your doctor about your PMS.

Your doctor will also want to make sure you don’t have one of the following conditions that shares symptoms with PMS:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Menopause

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Problems with the endocrine (EN-doh-kryn) system, which makes hormones

What are the symptoms of PMS?

PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms, such as:

• Acne

• Swollen or tender breasts

• Feeling tired

• Trouble sleeping

• Upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea

• Headache or backache

• Appetite changes or food cravings

• Joint or muscle pain

• Trouble with concentration or memory

• Tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells

• Anxiety or depression

The causes of PMS are not clear, but several factors may be involved. Changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle seem to be an important cause. 

These changing hormone levels may impact some women more than others. Chemical changes in the brain may also be involved.

Stress and emotional problems, such as depression, do not seem to cause PMS, but they may make it worse. Some other possible causes include:

• Low levels of vitamins and minerals

• Eating a lot of salty foods, which may cause you to retain (keep) fluid

• Drinking alcohol and caffeine, which may alter your mood and energy levels

Symptoms vary from woman to woman.

How common is PMS?

There’s a wide range of estimates of how many women suffer from PMS. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that at least 85 percent of menstruating women have at least 1 PMS symptom as part of their monthly cycle. 

Most of these women have fairly mild symptoms that don’t need treatment. Others (about 3 to 8 percent) have a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric (dis-FOHR-ik) disorder (PMDD). 

PMS occurs more often in women who:

• Are between their late 20s and early 40s

• Have at least 1 child

• Have a family history of depression

• Have a past medical history of either postpartum depression

Many things have been tried to ease the symptoms of PMS. No treatment works for every woman. You may need to try different ones to see what works for you. 

Some treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications

• Alternative therapies like Chinese medicine

• Lifestyle changes

If your PMS isn’t so bad that you need to see a doctor, some lifestyle changes may help you feel better.

How Can I Reduce Menstrual Symptoms?

Exercise regularly.

Each week, you should get Two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity. One hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or a combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity; and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days.

Regulate your nutrition

• Eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Avoid salt, sugary foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially when you’re having PMS symptoms.

• Get enough sleep. Try to get about 8 hours of sleep each night.

• Don't smoke! Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Talk to your friends, exercise, or write in a journal. Some women also find yoga, massage, or relaxation therapy helpful. 

Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PMS. Learn how Chinese and holistic medicines can help you. Wouldn't it feel good to naturally ride the waves of your sea of blood, balance your mind and soothe your spirit? 

Chinese medicine restores balance to the body and strengthens the organ system, so the root cause of the period discomfort is healed and the branch symptoms are alleviated. 

No woman needs to suffer when nature has an abundance of solutions to get you feeling amazing in your body no matter what time of the month it is!!

Making some lifestyle changes may help ease PMDD or PMS symptoms. For more information about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and (PMDD) call us at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness.

Eastern Acupuncture And Wellness Plantation:

Eastern Acupuncture And Wellness Wilton Manors:

Sources:

December 2014, www.womenshealth.org

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet was reviewed by:

Songhai Barclift, M.D.Lieutenant Commander

HIV/AIDS Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services