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What causes Premenstrual Syndrome?

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What causes Premenstrual Syndrome?

Introduction: Why PMS Needs a New Approach

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women worldwide, causing a range of emotional and physical symptoms in the days leading up to menstruation. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to PMS. Rather than just addressing symptoms, we focus on understanding the root causes of PMS and provide natural, functional treatments to help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort.

We treat the whole person, not just the cycle.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

PMS is a group of symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, typically in the 7-10 days before menstruation begins. These symptoms can vary in severity and may include mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue, and pain. For some women, PMS can be mild and manageable, while for others, it can interfere significantly with daily life.

Common Symptoms of PMS:

  • Emotional symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, mood swings, depression
  • Physical symptoms: Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, joint or muscle pain
  • Behavioral symptoms: Changes in appetite (cravings for sweets or salty foods), trouble sleeping

While PMS is common, its symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. In some cases, PMS may escalate into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which can cause extreme mood swings, depression, and anxiety.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Common Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome can be identified by the following symptoms:

  • Painful, round or oval sores that appear inside the mouth can sometimes occur as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome
  • Red or inflamed borders around certain areas may be noticed as a symptom related to premenstrual syndrome
  • The affected area may feel swollen and tender, which is a common symptom experienced during premenstrual syndrome
  • Pain may make it difficult to eat or speak comfortably, which can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome
  • A burning or tingling sensation may occur before the ulcer appears, which can be linked to premenstrual syndrome
  • In rare or severe cases, a mild fever may also occur as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop PMS?

Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes of PMS by focusing on the underlying factors contributing to the hormonal imbalances and symptoms associated with PMS. These common root causes include:

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can lead to PMS symptoms. Low levels of progesterone are commonly linked to mood swings and irritability.
  • Insulin Resistance: Imbalances in blood sugar regulation can worsen PMS symptoms, including fatigue and cravings.
  • Chronic Stress: Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can increase PMS severity by interfering with hormone balance and immune function.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc can exacerbate PMS symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and cramps.
  • Gut Health: An imbalance in gut bacteria (gut dysbiosis) can influence hormone metabolism, contributing to PMS.
  • Environmental Toxins: Exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA can interfere with hormone regulation, making PMS symptoms worse.

Thyroid Imbalance: Hypothyroidism can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings during PMS.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop PMS?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize advanced testing to understand the root causes of your PMS and guide treatment decisions:

Hormonal panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid)

Blood sugar regulation tests (insulin, glucose, HbA1C)

Gut health panels (stool microbiome analysis)

Nutritional testing (vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc)

Cortisol testing to assess stress levels

Toxin testing (for BPA and other endocrine disruptors)

Thyroid function tests to rule out hypothyroidism

Integrative Treatments for PMS

Nutritional Therapy

We provide personalized nutritional plans that focus on balancing hormones, supporting liver detoxification, and reducing inflammation. These plans may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fatty fish (rich in omega-3s), and turmeric to reduce cramps and pain.
  • Magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens and nuts to alleviate PMS-related headaches and muscle cramps.
  • Blood sugar balancing foods to stabilize insulin levels and reduce fatigue and cravings.
  • B-complex vitamins to support mood stability and energy levels.

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We recommend evidence-based supplements that support hormone balance and alleviate PMS symptoms. Some of the most effective herbs and nutraceuticals include:

  • Chasteberry (Vitex): Helps to balance progesterone and estrogen levels.
  • Magnesium: Reduces muscle cramps, bloating, and headaches.
  • Vitamin B6: Helps with mood swings and irritability.
  • Evening primrose oil: Supports hormone balance and reduces breast tenderness.
  • Ashwagandha: Reduces stress and supports adrenal health.

These supplements are carefully dosed and monitored by a physician.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress exacerbates PMS symptoms by raising cortisol levels and disrupting hormone balance. We offer several therapies to help reduce stress:

  • Meditation and mindfulness practices to reduce emotional stress and improve mood.
  • Acupuncture to balance the body’s energy and support hormone regulation.
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha to support adrenal health and reduce cortisol production.

Hormonal Balancing

For PMS caused by hormonal imbalances, we offer a range of therapies to support natural hormone regulation:

  • Bioidentical hormone therapy to balance estrogen and progesterone.
  • Thyroid optimization to support metabolism and energy levels.
  • Estrogen metabolism is supported through diet, herbs, and detox protocols to help the body process estrogen more efficiently.

Detoxification

Supporting the liver’s detoxification processes can reduce the effects of environmental toxins (such as BPA) and improve PMS symptoms. We offer:

  • IV therapy with glutathione and other antioxidants to support detoxification.
  • Sauna therapy to promote toxin elimination through sweat.

Real Case Study: Susan’s Journey to Relief

Susan, 39, came to us with severe PMS symptoms, including extreme fatigue, mood swings, and bloating. After testing, we discovered she had low progesterone levels and elevated cortisol due to chronic stress.

We designed a 3-month integrative plan for Susan, which included:

  • Bioidentical progesterone therapy to support hormone balance
  • Magnesium supplementation to ease cramps and headaches
  • Stress reduction techniques, including meditation and acupuncture
  • Anti-inflammatory meal plans to reduce bloating and inflammation

After three months, Susan’s PMS symptoms significantly improved. Her mood stabilized, her bloating decreased, and she felt more energized throughout her cycle.

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Real Case Study: Susan’s Journey to Relief

Testimonials

“I’ve been suffering from PMS for years, but after working with Patients Medical, my symptoms have almost completely disappeared. I feel so much more balanced.”
– L.T., 34New York
“The hormonal imbalance treatment at Patients Medical changed my life. I’m no longer irritable, and my periods are now manageable.”
– J.D., 41Brooklyn
“PMS was ruining my productivity and mood. I feel incredible now, thanks to the nutritional and hormonal support I received.”
– H.G., 29Manhattan
“The stress-reduction therapies and dietary changes made a huge difference in my PMS symptoms. I feel more in control than ever.”
– A.B., 38Queens
“My PMS was unbearable until I started my treatment plan at Patients Medical. Now, I can function normally during the luteal phase.”
– K.M., 32Staten Island

Explore Our Blog For More Insights

  1. How to Manage Hormonal Imbalances and PMS
  2. The Role of Nutrition in Reducing PMS Symptoms
  3. How Stress Affects PMS and How to Manage It
  4. Can Bioidentical Hormones Help with PMS?
  5. The Link Between Gut Health and PMS

Frequently Asked Questions

PMS is a group of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur 7-10 days before menstruation and are related to hormonal fluctuations.

Symptoms of PMS include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, bloating, headaches, and cravings.

Yes, imbalances in estrogen and progesterone are common causes of PMS. Low progesterone, in particular, is linked to irritability and mood swings.

Natural approaches include nutritional therapy, stress reduction, hormonal balancing, and herbal supplements like chasteberry and magnesium.

PMS symptoms typically last between 7-10 days and occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Yes, chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which disrupts hormone balance and intensifies PMS symptoms.

While PMS can’t always be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and ensuring hormonal balance can significantly reduce its impact.

PMDD is a severe form of PMS with more extreme symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and significant mood swings.

Foods rich in magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins can help reduce inflammation and alleviate PMS symptoms.

Yes, we offer comprehensive hormone testing to evaluate estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels to guide your treatment plan.

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

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

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