![\"naturopathic-medicine-pms-management\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/navigate-pms.png?resize=1080%2C608&ssl=1\")
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Guest Post by:\u00a0Katherine (Tori) Lutz<\/span><\/p>\n Over 80% of women experience PMS before their menstrual cycle each month. Some women\u2019s symptoms can be so intense that they\u2019re forced to miss school, work, or sit out of everyday activities, however, don\u2019t stress. There are ways to help prevent some of these symptoms and most are easier than you think!<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome<\/a> is a series of hormonal changes that occurs in most women before their monthly menstrual cycle. Some of these changes are increased irritability, food cravings, as well as a decrease in energy and sex drive. Most women notice changes in their bodies such as acne breakouts<\/a>, bloating, vaginal cramping, headaches, and muscle aches. In severe cases, a spike in anxiety and depression is also associated with PMS.<\/span><\/p>\n So, what causes PMS? Women\u2019s bodies naturally experience a shift in hormones to prepare for their periods. During this time, women\u2019s ovaries create high levels of estrogen which is then processed and broken down by the liver. Despite our body\u2019s ability to process, if your liver is working a little slow, the estrogen will be reabsorbed into the body through the digestive tract causing a hormonal balance. This imbalance causes all the symptoms associated with PMS.<\/span><\/p>\n There are women who deal with <\/span>PMDD<\/a><\/strong>, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is very similar to PMS, but women usually experience much more severe symptoms such as depression, anxiety, hypertension, and others.\u00a0 Western medicine has it\u2019s methods of treating PMS and PMDD, but most include treating the symptoms and not the cause. Most women are prescribed antidepressants or birth control pills, both of which have side effects that can cause other issues. <\/span>Nonetheless, naturopathic medicine can be used for PMS management to treat your PMS before it hits in a more natural way.<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps one of the easiest ways to help reduce your PMS symptoms is through your food. Most women don\u2019t realize there is a direct relationship between their hormones and their diets. You don\u2019t have to make life-altering changes. Being aware of a few simple things can have huge effects on those annoying symptoms that hit right before your cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Trying some herbs and supplements can be another great way to naturally treat PMS symptoms. Some supplements aid in natural liver detoxification which can help with initial hormonal imbalances. Similar to this, herbs have been known as an aid in women\u2019s health since the beginning of time.<\/span><\/p>\n There are many vitamins in your body that are essential to hormone levels. B6, for instance, helps the liver break down estrogen and remove it from the body. It also helps in the regulation of progesterone, another hormone that is produced during your monthly cycle, which can improve PMS symptoms. Zinc has a very similar function, but also can increase sex drive. A decreased interest in physical intimacy is sometimes associated with PMS and can cause issues in relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Iodine, magnesium, and Vitamin E are essential to hormone regulation in their own ways. It\u2019s important to be aware if you have an existing vitamin deficiency regardless, but low levels of some essential minerals can really take a toll on your PMS. Your body is always changing, so it\u2019s important to keep updated on what it needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Aside from supplements, there are tons of herbs that have been used to treat aspects of PMS. Perhaps one of the most popular in today\u2019s society is ginger. Ginger may help to erase period cramps. It may also acts as a regulator for your menstrual cycle. Ginger capsules seem to be the most effective, but fresh ginger slices in hot water are another great way to take in the benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n Another very popular option is <\/span>Chasteberry<\/span><\/a>. Grown predominantly in Asia, Chasteberry is infamous for its role in women\u2019s reproductive health. The plant can naturally treat breast pain by blocking the production of prolactin, a breast milk creating hormone that is released before your period starts. Chasteberry is also known for doing much more. A German study showed a 93% reduction in all PMS symptoms in women who used it.<\/span><\/p>\n There are plenty of other herbs and supplements available to you that could help prevent your PMS symptoms. Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and White Peony are all other options. Minerals and herbs are available from multiple vendors in different forms. When looking for a product, remember to choose what\u2019s best for you and your body\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes when it comes to understanding our bodies, we need a little help. All of the alternatives listed above are options, but may not be the answer for you. Or, it could be challenging figuring out what is the right option for us. In that case, don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help.<\/span><\/p>\n Naturopathic Doctors<\/span><\/a> are a wonderful resource when looking for help in situations like this. They take a personal, natural approach to what your body needs. Unlike your traditional physician who can prescribe birth control or antidepressants to treat your symptoms, naturopathic doctors can help prevent your symptoms from happening in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sarah Bennet, a Naturopathic Doctor at <\/span>Natural Med Doc<\/span><\/a> says,\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNothing is one-size-fits-all when it comes to health, especially periods.\u00a0 It\u2019s important to have guidance in knowing what your body needs and the best way to go about treating that\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n If your hormones are completely imbalanced and you can\u2019t find a good or easy way to regulate them, <\/span>Hormone Replacement Therapy<\/span><\/a> could be a great option for you. Hormones are so vital to so much of our body\u2019s functioning, especially when it comes to periods. Not only could therapy help address your PMS symptoms, but also a wide variety of other concerns you may have. Menopause can even be treated with HRT.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Periods are a pain enough already, don\u2019t let your PMS make them any worse. There are so many options out there for treating your PMS symptoms. However, as Sarah Bennet says, it is important to make sure you\u2019re taking the best course of action for your own body. Not every one of these options will help you and your body, but a natural and easy way of treating your PMS could help you immensely!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For additional information, check out these other articles on the Be Prepared. Period. blog:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n Super Important Note: We are not doctors. Please consult your doctor or medical professional with any concerns you may have. This is strictly an informational piece and should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#404040″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#404040″]\u00a0\u00a0 RELATED<\/span> RESOURCES<\/span>\r[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”PMS & CRAMP TEA” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/cramp-tea” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Cramp-Tea-Logo.png” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″] Handcrafted by cycle experts with only the finest organic & wild crafted ingredients this tea not only proves to be a great remedy for hot flashes and night sweats \u2013 but it tastes good too!<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”BENEFITS OF BREWING FREE GUIDE” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/teas-natural-remedies-the-benefits-of-brewing\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Email-Header-copy.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”] Learn the benefits of brewing: Herbal tea, an all-natural, safe and effective way of reducing or eliminating menstrual symptoms that plague women on a regular basis.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ESSENTIAL OILS GUIDE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/essential-oil-guide-for-menstrual-health\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/essential-oil-guide-for-menstrual-health.jpg” _builder_version=”3.26.6″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”] Learn the basics of essential oils, what they are, how to use them safely, the top 3 oils for women\u2019s health, our favorite essential oil recipes and more!<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”MENSTRUAL CUP 101″ url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/menstrual-cup-101\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/menstrual-cup-101.jpg” _builder_version=”3.26.6″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”] Menstrual cups have a long list of benefits for those experiencing menstruation including: 12 hour protection, holds more than a super tampon, safer, better for the environment and the cost $avings!! Learn more!<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#75c043″ button_bg_color=”#ffffff” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_border_radius=”0px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”15px||15px|” button_border_color_hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius_hover=”0px” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][et_pb_slide heading=”Explore More Period Stories” button_text=”Click Here” button_link=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/tips-for-handling-periods-like-a-pro\/” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”#ec2288″ button_on_hover=”on” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″] Of course, leaks are not the end of the world. We\u2019ve all experienced a period leak at some point, and we\u2019re still here to tell the tale. But leaks are never fun and as a teen, the embarrassment often feels magnified, so it\u2019s worth having a few go-to coping strategies.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”KNOW YOUR FLOW” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/am-i-in-perimenopause\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/healthier-period-products-for-you-and-the-planet.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”] Periods are confusing. One day you are barely flowin\u2019 and the next you\u2019re changing your tampon every few hours. And don\u2019t even get me started on the cramps and cravings! What gives? Well, depending on the colour and level of flow we superwomen are experiencing, there could be any number of things going on.\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”GET RID OF PERIOD STAINS” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/convincing-my-pre-menopausal-mom-to-use-a-menstrual-cup\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/PeriodStains.png” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”] We\u2019ve all been there. You\u2019ve just woken up and popped to the toilet, or you\u2019ve taken a bathroom break at work, and you\u2019ve discovered another surprise stain in your panties.\u00a0As if it isn\u2019t annoying enough to have to deal with cramps, heavy flows and bloating, women also have to deal with period stains in our favorite panties and on white bed sheets. It doesn\u2019t really seem fair, does it?<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/feminine-care-donation-program-for-schools.jpg” custom_padding=”136px|0px|159px|0px|false|false” border_width_top=”18px”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”Together, we can help.” button_url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/index.php?route=information\/contact” button_text=”Contact Us To Get Started” _builder_version=”3.16″ header_font=”Chelsea Market||||||||” header_text_color=”#ec2288″ header_font_size=”46px” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”28px” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”19px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#404040″ button_border_color=”#000000″ button_font=”||||||||” button_icon=”%%32%%” button_on_hover=”off” button_alignment=”center” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” button_bg_color_hover=”#ec2288″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#ec2288″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”]Help ensure that no girl misses a day of school because of a lack of menstrual supplies. By partnering with our Feminine CARE Donation Program you will help students in need and your community, all while helping build body confidence in your students! <\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>\r[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Guest Post by:\u00a0Katherine (Tori) Lutz Naturopathic Medicine and PMS Management Over 80% of women experience PMS before their menstrual cycle each month. Some women\u2019s symptoms can be so intense that they\u2019re forced to miss school, work, or sit out of everyday activities, however, don\u2019t stress. There are ways to help prevent some of these symptoms […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section bb_built=\"1\"][et_pb_row][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[37,1270,36,337],"tags":[22,330,1320,1319,569,259,1309,45,29,1307,1288,1289,229,1308],"class_list":["post-10345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pms-pmdd-pcos","category-period-concerns","category-period-tips-remedies","category-popular-post","tag-be-prepared-period","tag-cramps","tag-experiencing-pms","tag-naturopathic-medicine","tag-period-help","tag-period-talk","tag-period-yoga","tag-pms","tag-puberty","tag-reduce-cramps","tag-women-empowerment","tag-women-helping-women","tag-yoga","tag-yoga-and-period"],"yoast_head":"\nNaturopathic Medicine and PMS Management
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<\/p>\nWhat is PMS?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Diet<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Herbs and Supplements<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Additional Help<\/b><\/h2>\n
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In Summary<\/b><\/h2>\n
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BIO<\/h2>\n
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Katherine (Tori) Lutz is a graduate of Florida State University and current student at Columbia University. Professionally, she has gained a great deal of writing, editing, and marketing experience in the area of health and wellness. She currently lives in New York City and aspires to one day be a journalist.<\/div>\nKeep Reading…<\/h1>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOW TO HANDLE PERIOD LEAKS” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/how-to-handle-period-leaks\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Period_Leaks_Header.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_color_all=”#404040″]