At South Hobart Acupuncture we know all about menstrual cycles – the short ones, the long ones, the ones that feel like they’re about to become a period (but then don’t), and the ones that drive you loopy towards the end. If you’ve ever experienced that last kind of cycle (the loopy one) then you know just how awful Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can be.
PMS is defined as a range of symptoms that occur cyclically in the week or two before a menstrual period starts. Menstruating people may experience mood changes, bloating, bowel changes, sugar cravings and decreased energy (amongst others). However, just because these symptoms are common, doesn’t mean they are normal.
Chinese medicine views PMS as being caused by different internal factors:
💫 Yang Qi Depletion – occurring when the body is depleted of its Yang Qi – the warming/moving vitality of the body – which causes our luteal hormone progesterone to fall too early before a period. This can manifest in bloating, low mood, back pain and fatigue.
💫 Liver Qi Stagnation – this occurs when the Liver (in charge of moving your menstrual fluid) becomes stuck and stagnant. This can cause a build up of heat and manifests as symptoms like irritation, frustration, sore breasts, headaches and bowel changes.
💫 Blood Deficiency – occurs when our body’s nourishing fluids are low, causing teariness, dizziness and premenstrual spotting.
If you experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), there are a few very easy things you can do.
💫 Change up your workouts: During the second half of your cycle start to modify your workouts to suit the hormones of your luteal phase. Change from intense cardio and HIIT classes to slower forms of exercises i.e. pilates, weight training, yoga. Move with intention instead of speed.
💫 Increase your calories: your metabolism increases during your luteal phase (the second half of your cycle), meaning that you need more nutrients to fulfil your daily activities. To assist your hormones you simply need to eat more. Add an extra serve of veggies to each meal or include an extra boiled egg or snack to your day to help your body and hormones function smoothly.
💫 Increase leafy greens and magnesium-rich foods: this will help to relax your muscles and mind to ward off premenstrual tension. These include: spinach, avocado, legumes, nuts, dark chocolate or a practitioner-only magnesium supplement.
💫 Connect with loved ones and nature: prioritise time with the people and in the places that make you feel most like you.
💫 Slow down + take time to rest: the week before your period (or even a few days before) is a great time to turn inwards and tune into your body – it will tell you exactly what it needs. This might look like: yoga, meditation, a rom-com with friends, time in nature.
💫 Acupuncture + herbal medicine: personalised to your unique hormonal needs.
At South Hobart Acupuncture we love turning a loopy period into a normal one – the kind with minimal or no symptoms. To do this, we employ an integrative approach to PMS – combining acupuncture treatments with personalised herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle advice, pathology assessment and practitioner-only supplements to create a plan that is tailored to your hormone needs.
Our practitioners are degree-qualified and registered with AHPRA, meaning you are receiving professional guidance from practitioners that are focused on you and your health goals. We can’t wait to meet you and support you on your hormone health journey.
