Acupuncture for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

I work with many women who need help with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).  This is a collection of symptoms that occur between ovulation – the mid-point in a menstrual cycle – and the menstrual bleed. Mainstream medicine has little to offer beyond the contraceptive pill, which is why women frequently turn to holistic treatments like acupuncture to deal with pre-menstrual syndrome.

What is PMS?

Over 150 different symptoms have been identified as part of PMS. They include physical symptoms like bloating, tiredness, headaches, food cravings, and weight gain, and emotional and psychological symptoms like mood swings, depression, and anxiety.

PMS is thought to be caused by imbalances between progesterone and oestrogen in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone has a natural calming effect on the mind and nervous system. Without it, women can experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression. For many PMS sufferers problems with ovulation can affect progesterone balance and trigger symptoms.

Equally, we need to have the right amount of oestrogen in the monthly cycle too. Our modern lifestyles include lots of environmental toxins from things like pesticides and plastics that act as hormone disruptors, affecting oestrogen balance. This, along with stress and poor nutrition means we don’t detoxify and remove old hormones from the body as effectively. We end up with higher levels of oestrogen circulating around the system causing problems with PMS and periods.

PMS and The Pill

If you see your GP for help with PMS you are likely to be recommended the oral contraceptive Pill. The idea here is that by stopping ovulation and periods (the bleeding you get with the Pill is a “pill bleed” not a normal period) you will also stop PMS, but this doesn’t always work.

In a recent survey for the Channel 4 programme Davina McCall’s Pill Revolution, 77% of the 4000 respondents said the Pill had given them side effects, with 36% saying it gave them anxiety, low mood, and/or depression. In fact, a third of women taking the Pill had to stop using it because the side effects were so severe.

How does Acupuncture help balance hormones?

Acupuncture is ideal for hormonal support because it works in a holistic way. Every PMS patient I see is experiencing their own unique pattern of symptoms, influenced by their health history, age, diet, and lifestyle. I provide acupuncture treatments that are tailored to the individual that help to:

• Influence hormones that communicate between the brain and reproductive organs; acupuncture can stimulate the release of mood-balancing hormones like serotonin, and various pain-relieving endorphins.
• Increase blood flow to the ovaries and reproductive organs.
• Decrease muscular tension– this may ease cramps and headaches.
• Support relaxation and ease nervous tension.
• Support blood and energy flow to the liver, the home of hormone detoxification.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips for Managing PMS

I always complement acupuncture with holistic nutrition and lifestyle advice so that patients can make positive changes that will enhance their treatments.

When dealing with PMS there are 3 key tips that can help:

1. Include at least 2 servings of magnesium-rich foods every day. Magnesium is vital for hormone balance and energy levels, and the typical Western diet is low in this nutrient. Find it in dark green vegetables, nuts, avocado, tofu, and dark chocolate.
2. Cut out caffeinated tea, coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol.
3. Make sure to get 7-9 hours’ sleep every night. Lack of sleep makes PMS symptoms much harder to manage, so turn off your phone and laptop and aim to be asleep well before midnight!

Is PMS dominating YOUR life?

Are you fed up with monthly hormone symptoms that leave you feeling exhausted and tearful?

Contact me TODAY to find out how Acupuncture can help clear PMS for good. Call Tiziana on 07788 633292 or email info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk .

You can be assured of the highest standard of care: York Traditional Acupuncture has been awarded the Outstanding Award for the number of 5-Star reviews received on Free Index.