Managing PMS Symptoms
Q. What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?
A. One of the first things to realize is that that the moment your body starts complaining and showing signs and symptoms it has hit its threshold and is crying out for attention to bring it back into balance. In my practice, I witness that women who are stressed become relatively progesterone insufficient, which means that their body often converts progesterone at an exceedingly high rate to cortisol/cortisone (stress hormones), leading to estrogen dominance. As a result, the natural drop of progesterone at the end of the female cycle each month becomes even more notable due to what is called “progesterone steal” to make stress hormones.
My top three go-to herbals that I recommend for my patients suffering with PMS are herbs that support the adrenals: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Maca. And, specific to the female cycle, I often recommend Chaste Tree (Vitex), which I have found to help harmonize the female cycle. For cyclical breast tenderness, I routinely have my patients decrease their caffeine intake and incorporate an ultra-pure Evening Primrose Oil to help support relaxation and comfort in the female organs.
There is a simple concept that I share with my patients: We must not allow the world around us extract our vitality without replacing it. Look at your health as a wellness savings account, which requires frequent deposits for great abundance.
Peace and Abundant Blessings,
Dr. Chris Meletis, N.D.
