The 4 types of PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

As a naturopath, and a woman myself, I understand the health challenges many women experience.

Most women are able to recognize their period is coming by emotional and physical changes that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation, before the onset of menstruation).

For some women, these shifts are subtle and are not problematic.

However, some women may experience more severe premenstrual symptoms that can be a marker of greater underlying hormonal imbalances.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) refers to a group of symptoms that occur cyclically and improve shortly after menstruation starts.

PMS can be divided into 4 categories

PMS-A (Anxiety)

Key symptoms: feelings of overwhelm, more sensitive than usual (especially to perceived rejection or criticism), feeling on edge or irritable

Underlying imbalances: hormonal imbalance (link here) (relative excess of estrogen to progesterone), inadequate neurotransmitter synthesis: low serotonin, adrenal fatigue and cortisol dysregulation.

PMS-D (Depression)

Key symptoms: low mood paired with lethargy, forgetfulness, and confusion.

Underlying imbalances: Underactive thyroid and low serotonin.

PMS-H (Hydration/Water Retention)

Key Symptoms: abdominal bloating, Breast tenderness/swelling, weight gain of over 3 pounds

Underlying Imbalances: estrogen excess, increased stress which causes the adrenal gland to secrete an excess of both the stress hormone cortisol and aldosterone which causes salt and water retention.

PMS- C (Cravings)

Key symptoms: desire for carbohydrates, general increase in appetite, fatigue, headaches.

Underlying causes: low serotonin (carbohydrate ingestion temporarily raises serotonin- that’s why sweets make us feel good in the moment), adrenal fatigue causes low cortisol levels which can cause sugar cravings.

It is possible to have a combination of these categories.

At Annex Naturopathic we offer effective treatment solutions for PMS and women’s health overall.