That cramp in your lower abdomen, sensitive breasts, a temper to boot, things falling out of your hands, lots of cravings for tasty sweet and fatty snacks. The scale suddenly reads a kilo more and you have a headache. Yes yes, it's that time of the month again.

We often think it's perfectly normal for women to experience discomfort around menstruation. For many women, however, it is worse than just some discomfort. If you recognize several of the above symptoms, you probably suffer from PMS, premenstrual syndrome. PMS is a collective term for a number of physical and psychological symptoms that occur prior to menstruation. Between 20 and 50 percent of women of childbearing age have a severe form of PMS. In part, this is caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progestogen levels. Symptoms begin a few hours to two weeks before menstruation and usually disappear right after.

What symptoms can you experience with PMS?

Symptoms can begin as early as two weeks before menstruation. In addition to the physical symptoms, the following psychological symptoms are common: confusion, depression, difficulty concentrating, hot flashes, emotional hypersensitivity and mood swings. Many women do not feel understood with these symptoms. Those around them often react laughingly to the above symptoms before or during menstruation. While it can get in your way heartily.

Many doctors recommend taking the birth control pill and keeping a diary of symptoms. For many, this is not the solution.

What can you do yourself to reduce your PMS symptoms?

• Relax enough and avoid stressors. Cortisol is one of the hormones released by stress and in the long run brings an imbalance in your hormones
• Exercise enough
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid sugar and fast carbs
• Regulate your biorhythms because this affects your cycle a lot. Put the sun on your face during the day and avoid blue light in the evening, such as TV, iPad and your phone.
• Make sure you support your hormones with good nutrition. Healthy fats and proteins are especially important because your hormones are built from these.
• Avoid soy. Soy changes the balance between estrogen and progesterone.

• Support healthy hormone balance with supplements. If you want to know which supplements can reduce your PMS symptoms, we recommend a supplement consultation with one of our therapists so we can be very specific with you!

• Find distractions, do something that gives you new energy or relaxes you. Treat yourself to a nice bouquet of flowers instead of a bar of chocolate.

Do you want to get started in a focused way where an orthomolecular therapist is looking with you? Then schedule a consultation.