Naturopathic In Oakville Articles

PMS and Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, BSc, ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)

If you are like most women (80%), you recognize that your period is coming by characteristic emotional and physical change. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of more than 150 different symptoms that occur cyclically after ovulation, up to 2 weeks before our monthly menstrual period and improve shortly after menstruation starts. About 30% of women consider these symptoms to be problematic while 5-10% of women consider them to be debilitating.

For convenience and ease of treatment, PMS symptoms are divided into four categories
• PMS-A (anxiety)
• PMS-C (cravings)
• PMS-D (depression)
• PMS-H (hyperhydration OR water retention)

These categories reflect the specific hormonal, neurotransmitter, circadian and ultradian rhythm imbalances. They respond to different treatment strategies.

Many women with PMS, for instance, have low serotonin levels after ovulation (a neurotransmitter that keeps us happy). Women generally do not fit snugly into one category but often exhibit a variety of symptoms.

Besides hormonal imbalances, emotional and dietary factors may also contribute to PMS symptoms. A variety of treatments offered by naturopathic doctors can help address a person’s individual needs.

One study showed that a 78% improvement in PMS symptoms of anxiety, breast tenderness, insomnia, headache and digestive upset using acupuncture vs a 6% improvement in a control group.

Self help tips:
• Spend at least 20 minutes outside in the early part of the day to help increase serotonin.
• Sleep in a dark room to increase melatonin production at night. This may decrease estrogen’s activity and help regulate other hormones.
• Exercise 40 minutes a day to reduce estrogen levels and increase endorphin levels which elevate mood.

Women today are busy, stressed and often trying to do more than their share of tasks. Women lack the support they need to keep them healthy mentally, emotionally and physically. More and more women are turning to naturopathic doctors to help them manage their health concerns and learn stress management techniques. Talk to our resident Naturopathic Doctor about how she can help you address your women’s health concerns.