Wellness

PMS IS AS COMMON AS THE HILLS, BUT DO WE REALLY NEED TO SUFFER?

No matter where you are in your menstrual life – puberty, midcycle or perimenopause, you’ll know the monthly hormonal spikes that can come with the deal. For some it’s a breeze, but for others those highs and lows spell a week (or more) of pain.

So, is it normal to experience PMS or is something going on that requires intervention?

THE RIGHT BALANCE

“PMS symptoms are not normal,” says Michaela Sparrow, naturopath and founder of The Longevity Remedy. “They are a good indication that something is out of balance.” According to Sparrow, things such as genetics, chronic inflammation and a long history of contraceptive use can disrupt our natural hormonal function. Chronic stress also plays a part. “Stress has a significant negative impact on a huge range of body processes including our hormones and can disrupt the proper balance and production,” says Sparrow.

PROGESTERONE LEVEL

If your progesterone level is too low (it naturally drops as you enter perimenopause) you may experience severe anxiety, very light periods, fatigue, foggy brain and dry skin (to name a few). High progesterone is harder to detect. “High progesterone levels can either have no symptoms or similar symptoms to low progesterone so blood tests are recommended,” says Sparrow. “High levels are more of a concern for an existing underlying health condition such as ovarian cysts, adrenal dysfunction, adrenal cancers and ovarian cancer.”

THE SOLUTION?

Nikki Gonda, nutritionist and founder of Moonbox, spent her early years in crippling pain that led her to seek answers. After experiencing debilitating cramps and wild skin breakouts, Gonda was advised to go on the pill, which resolved her initial issues but produced new symptoms: “I was suffering from terrible anxiety and depression, my gut health was down the toilet and I started to question, ‘Is it the pill that’s causing this?’”

By coming off the pill and making different lifestyle choices Gonda no longer fears her period. “My monthly cycle used to be something I dreaded. I’d spend a week in bed curled up in a ball feeling sorry for myself. Now I’m able to spend that time of the month doing what I love.” Part of that shift is down to what she eats. “I used to start my mornings with a bagel, cream cheese and jam, but now I have eggs, avocado and complex carbs such as gluten-free bread.”

After turning around her own life with food, exercise and new habits, Gonda created Moonbox – a program that runs over 12 weeks – to help other women take control of their cycle in positive ways. Each monthly Moonbox contains a range of products including magnesium oil, powdered supplements, chocolate and a journal, plus Gonda delivers weekly videos with tips and advice on how to rebalance your cycle. “The feedback we’re getting is people are experiencing increased energy, especially in the first week,” says Gonda. “Positive mood changes are huge too with reduced anxiety and less irritability.”

PROBLEM SKIN

Two of the biggest complaints Gonda regularly hears concern painful cramps and acne. So what can you do about breakouts? Louisa Hollenberg, founder of Earth and Skin beauty spa, says keep your skin clean. “You want a gentle cleanser that’s not going to strip the oils because that will cause even more oil to be produced.”

But it’s a fine balance. “If someone has dry skin and they’re using a harsh cleanser, it’s stripping away oil. To counterbalance, the skin produces more oil which causes more breakouts.” It can be a frustrating cycle but the good news is there are products that are toxin-free and that work to heal the skin while covering it up, such as Inika’s Organic Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid or Earth and Skin’s Camouflage Cream.

SEEK ADVICE

If you suffer from regular PMS take time to assess the facts. “PMS could be caused by underlying health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and hypothyroidism,” says Sparrow. “It’s important if you believe you have a hormonal balance issue to see someone who has a speciality interest in female hormones such as a degree-qualified naturopath or integrative GP.”