PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by mood swings, swollen abdomen, abdominal cramping, headaches, back pain, food cravings, fatigue, irritability or depression in the days before a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to incapacitating and may last from a couple of days to two weeks.

It has been estimated that three of every four menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome, and it is more likely to trouble women from their late 20s to early 40s. Between 10-20% of all women experience symptoms that are severe or even disabling.

PMS is thought to be a side effect of hormonal changes during the monthly menstrual cycle and can be made worse by stress, decreased serotonin levels in the brain and subluxations in the low back.

Although chiropractic care cannot fix the way your body responds to the hormonal changes that precede menstruation, several studies have shown that it can help decrease many of the symptoms of PMS without the potential side effects of prescription drugs. Since the nerves that exit the low back are responsible for regulating all of the tissues in the lower abdomen, any pressure or irritation can be alleviated through chiropractic care can be helpful.

Each woman will cope with PMS symptoms differently since each body is different, but here are some tips to alleviate discomfort.

• Exercise/yoga
• Balanced diet – avoiding foods that cause stress to hormones
  • Bananas can help alleviate cramping
• Using a heating pad on your abdomen or low back
• Essential oils for aromatherapy, topical, or add to a bath
  • Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, and peppermint