What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

What causes Premenstrual Syndrome?

Why PMS Needs a New Approach

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women every month—yet it’s often brushed off as “normal.” At Patients Medical in New York City, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer through painful periods, mood swings, and fatigue every cycle. Using integrative, functional, and holistic medicine, we uncover the root causes of PMS to help you feel balanced, empowered, and symptom-free—naturally.

We treat more than hormones—we treat the whole person.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

PMS refers to a range of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms that occur in the 1–2 weeks before a woman’s period. While many experience mild symptoms, others struggle with severe discomfort that interferes with work, relationships, and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of PMS

Root Causes: Why Do You Experience PMS?

PMS is not just about hormones. It’s a complex interaction of imbalances in your endocrine, nervous, digestive, and detoxification systems. Functional medicine digs deeper than symptom suppression to uncover your unique triggers, which may include:

  • Estrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency
  • Cortisol imbalance from chronic stress
  • Blood sugar instability
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Gut dysbiosis or leaky gut
  • Liver congestion impairing estrogen detox
  • Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, B6, zinc, etc.)
  • Poor sleep and circadian rhythm disruption

These root issues often go unaddressed in conventional care.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use comprehensive testing to identify what’s really driving your PMS symptoms:

Female hormone panels (estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone)

Cortisol and adrenal rhythm testing (saliva or DUTCH test)

Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3, antibodies)

Blood sugar and insulin testing

Gut health and microbiome panels

Micronutrient analysis

Liver function and detox pathway markers

Genetic markers (MTHFR, COMT)

Neurotransmitter and mood-related assessments

Integrative Treatments for PMS

Personalized Nutritional Therapy

We create individualized nutrition plans that reduce inflammation, support hormonal balance, and stabilize blood sugar. Common strategies include:

  • Eliminating sugar, caffeine, and processed foods
  • Incorporating hormone-supportive foods (cruciferous veggies, flax, wild salmon)
  • Seed cycling for hormone regulation

Anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, or low-histamine diets when needed

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We prescribe natural remedies backed by research and tailored to your lab results:

  • Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) – to boost progesterone naturally
  • Magnesium glycinate – for cramps, sleep, and anxiety
  • Vitamin B6 – to ease mood swings
  • Calcium and zinc – to reduce bloating and breast tenderness
  • DIM and calcium-D-glucarate – for estrogen metabolism support
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to regulate cortisol

All supplements are physician-selected, dosed, and monitored.c

IV Vitamin Therapy

Targeted IV treatments deliver nutrients that promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and support adrenal health.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (when needed)

If your hormones are significantly imbalanced, we may use low-dose bioidentical progesterone to restore balance and relieve symptoms.

Stress & Sleep Support

Chronic stress worsens PMS. We offer:

  • Acupuncture and meditation
  • Mind-body therapies
  • Adaptogenic herbs
  • Sleep hygiene coaching and melatonin regulation

Detoxification Support

A sluggish liver can impair hormone clearance, especially estrogen. We support your detox pathways through:

  • Liver-supportive herbs (milk thistle, dandelion root)
  • Infrared sauna sessions
  • Antioxidants like glutathione

Real Case Study: Emily’s Path to Hormone Balance

Emily, 34, came to us experiencing severe PMS—irritability, bloating, migraines, and fatigue every month. Her gynecologist had recommended birth control pills, but she wanted a natural alternative. Testing showed estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies in magnesium and B6.

Her 3-month integrative plan included:

  • A hormone-supportive diet with seed cycling
  • Magnesium and B6 supplements
  • Vitex and DIM for hormone metabolism
  • Stress-reduction with acupuncture and ashwagandha
  • Weekly IV therapy for nutrient replenishment

Within three cycles, her PMS symptoms had improved by 80%, and she reported feeling “like herself again.”

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many women find complete or significant relief using natural methods like hormone balancing, nutrition, and stress management.

PMDD is a more severe form of PMS with intense mood changes and functional impairment. We treat both with customized, root-cause approaches.

 Most women feel significant improvement within 2–3 menstrual cycles after starting treatment.

 Absolutely. Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can worsen hormonal symptoms. We guide you through healing with food.

 Hormone panels (progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, cortisol), thyroid tests, and nutrient levels are essential starting points.

 Yes. We use neurotransmitter support, adaptogens, and natural therapies to ease mood swings without pharmaceuticals.

 Yes. A healthy gut is essential for metabolizing estrogen and maintaining balance.

 Yes. We can support your body naturally alongside your current medications and guide any transitions.

 Yes. Our treatments are safe, gentle, and often ideal for younger patients seeking natural options.

We are an out-of-network provider but provide superbills for possible reimbursement. Many lab tests may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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