PMS - Dietary Change to Relieve It

Introduction: Why PMS Needs a New Approach

90% of women experience PMS, yet most are told it’s “normal.” At Patients Medical in NYC, we uncover the hidden hormonal and metabolic imbalances behind your symptoms—from estrogen dominance to nutrient deficiencies—and create personalized plans to restore balance naturally.We treat the whole hormonal system, not just your symptoms

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?
PMS refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur 1-2 weeks before menstruation and resolve with your period.

Types of PMS:

  • PMS-A (Anxiety): Irritability, mood swings
  • PMS-C (Cravings): Sugar cravings, fatigue
  • PMS-D (Depression): Sadness, brain fog
  • PMS-H (Hydration): Bloating, breast tenderness
  • PMDD: Severe, debilitating symptoms affecting daily life

 

Common Symptoms of PMS

The #1 Dietary Change to Reduce PMS Symptoms: Stabilize Blood Sugar

Of all the diet-related interventions, balancing blood sugar is the most impactful. Here’s why:

  • Blood sugar spikes and crashes worsen mood swings and cravings.
  • Insulin resistance increases estrogen dominance, a major PMS trigger.
  • High sugar intake promotes inflammation and bloating.
  • Stable glucose levels improve progesterone function, which naturally calms the nervous system.
Start With These Shifts:

Eliminate refined sugars and processed carbs (white bread, pastries, soda)
Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Avoid skipping meals or long fasting periods
Reduce caffeine and alcohol
Incorporate low-glycemic fruits (berries, apples) and whole grains (quinoa, oats)

Root Causes of PMS from a Functional Medicine Perspective

Conventional medicine often attributes PMS solely to hormonal shifts. But we ask, why are your hormones imbalanced to begin with? Here are deeper root causes:

  1. Estrogen Dominance: Too much estrogen relative to progesterone leads to mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating.

  2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Magnesium, B6, calcium, and omega-3s are critical for hormone metabolism and emotional balance.

  3. Poor Blood Sugar Control: Insulin resistance amplifies PMS symptoms by raising inflammation and affecting hormone clearance.

  4. Liver Congestion: Your liver processes excess estrogen. A sluggish liver can cause estrogen buildup.

  5. Gut Dysbiosis: The gut microbiome (estrobolome) plays a major role in regulating circulating estrogen.

  6. Chronic Stress: Elevated cortisol depletes progesterone and increases PMS anxiety and sleep disruption.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To uncover what’s really behind your PMS symptoms, we offer advanced diagnostic tools

DUTCH Hormone Test (estrogen, progesterone metabolites)

Micronutrient Panel (magnesium, B vitamins, zinc)

Blood Sugar & Insulin Tests (fasting glucose, HbA1c)

Gut Health Analysis (microbiome, zonulin for leaky gut)

Neurotransmitter Testing (serotonin, GABA, dopamine)

Thyroid Panel (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies)

Integrative Treatments for PMS

Hormone Balancing

  • Vitex (Chasteberry): Supports progesterone production
  • DIM & Calcium-D-Glucarate: Promotes estrogen detox
  • Bioidentical Progesterone (if deficient)

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory diet (rich in cruciferous veggies, flaxseeds)
  • Targeted supplements (magnesium glycinate, omega-3s, vitamin B6)

Gut-Liver Support

  • Liver detox protocols (milk thistle, NAC)
  • Probiotics for estrogen metabolism

Stress & Mood Support

  • Adaptogens (rhodiola, ashwagandha)
  • 5-HTP or GABA for serotonin support

Pain & Inflammation Relief

  • Acupuncture for cramp relief
  • Turmeric & Ginger (natural COX-2 inhibitors)

Real Case Study: Ashley’s PMS Turnaround

Ashley, age 32, struggled with severe PMS—debilitating cramps, bloating, mood swings, and sugar cravings. Labs showed estrogen dominance, magnesium deficiency, and poor glucose control.

We built a 12-week program that included:

  • A low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory food plan
  • Magnesium and B6 supplementation
  • DIM and chasteberry to balance estrogen
  • Weekly IV therapy and stress management support

Within two cycles, Ashley reported 80% fewer PMS symptoms, no missed workdays, and more balanced emotions.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Stabilizing blood sugar by cutting sugar and processed carbs is the #1 dietary intervention for PMS relief.

 Magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, and omega-3s are most commonly deficient and often dramatically improve symptoms.

 Many women experience dramatic reduction in symptoms with root-cause treatment and personalized nutrition.

 Yes. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is a leading driver of PMS-related symptoms.

 Your gut regulates estrogen elimination. Dysbiosis or leaky gut can lead to estrogen buildup and worse PMS.

 Absolutely. Stress, poor sleep, blood sugar swings, and toxin exposure can all amplify PMS symptoms.

 Yes. We use natural therapies, diet, and hormone balancing without synthetic hormones unless necessary.

 DUTCH hormone testing, nutrient panels, thyroid testing, and gut microbiome analysis provide deep insight.

 Yes. Low thyroid function can disrupt cycles and worsen PMS symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and mood changes.

 We’re out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Many labs 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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