Have you ever noticed that as you move through the different stages of your menstrual cycle that your mood shifts? It can be subtle, or it can be a major change. You can find things that normally wouldn’t bother you that are suddenly annoying. Or perhaps you swing from one mood to another. If you have this moodiness – and some of the other signs and symptoms – you might have PMS.
According to a Ballarat naturopath, PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, which is the medical term that covers this group of symptoms that tend to pop up before your period. The symptoms you might experience can include mood swings, food cravings, irritability, depression, fatigue, and mood swings.
You will typically notice these symptoms from 2 weeks to 5 days before your period. There are 4 types of premenstrual syndrome, each of which has slightly different symptoms and causes.
Premenstrual Syndrome – Type 1 – A
This type of PMS is associated with feelings of anxiety. You can feel overwhelmed and be far more sensitive than normal. Especially if someone says something that you take as a rejection of criticism. A lot of the time you just feel on edge and irritable. Some people link this to their period coming, but others don’t know why they feel this way.
The main reason you feel this way is because your hormones are out of balance. Your estrogen is too high compared to your progesterone. This goes on to impact your neurotransmitter synthesis, leading to adrenal fatigue, cortisol dysregulation, and low serotonin.
PMS- Type 2 – D
Another type of PMS with a strong impact on your mood, this one, is linked to depression. You will find yourself feeling low, but that’s not all. You might notice that you also feel lethargic, like everything is too much effort. You might find yourself forgetting things or being easily confused.
This type of PMS is linked to you having an underactive thyroid and reduced serotonin levels.
PMS- Type 3 – H
The ‘H’ for this type of PMS is linked to hydration; but is more accurately a change in your body’s water retention. You might notice that you have abdominal bloating. Or, you might notice that you have gained weight. You may also have some breast swelling and tenderness.
Estrogen excess is one of the main causes of this type of PMS. It is often accompanied by an increase in stress levels in your life. The combination of high estrogen and high stress hormones leads to your body retaining extra salt and water.
PMS – Type 4 – C
If you feel like you have a craving for carbohydrates, you might have this type of PMS. You may also notice an increase in your appetite. However, you will also feel more tired and have headaches.
Triggered by low serotonin, this type of PMS also has low cortisol levels. The craving for sweets occurs because carbohydrates temporarily boost both energy supply and serotonin levels.
Do you want to read more? Check out these articles written by the best Ballarat naturopaths regarding menstruation, pregnancy-related, and women’s health issues.
