The Truth About PMS

Let’s be honest — for too many women, the days leading up to a period can feel like a rollercoaster of mood swings, cravings, bloating, fatigue, and irritability. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, up to 75% of women report experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms at some point in their lives.

But here’s the thing: just because PMS is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.

At Vitality Natural Wellness, we believe your body was designed to thrive — not to suffer through a week (or more) of discomfort every month. PMS symptoms are often a sign that something deeper is out of balance, and the good news is, you don’t have to just “deal with it.” Let’s dig into what might really be going on — and how we can help you feel better.

Key Takeaways:

1. PMS is not “just hormones.” It’s often the result of an imbalance.

2. Estrogen dominance, low progesterone, stress, and blood sugar instability are common root causes.

3. Gut and liver health play a critical role in hormone function.

4. A functional medicine approach focuses on why PMS is happening.

5. With proper testing and lifestyle support PMS symptoms can significantly improve.

What Causes PMS?

PMS is driven by hormonal fluctuations in the second half of your menstrual cycle (the luteal phase). But it’s not just about estrogen and progesterone — PMS can also be influenced by:

• Estrogen dominance (too much estrogen relative to progesterone)

• Low progesterone levels

• Low testosterone levels

• Poor liver detoxification

• Blood sugar imbalances

• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol

• Nutrient deficiencies, especially magnesium, B6, and calcium

• Gut health issues, which affect hormone metabolism

When these systems are out of sync, your body may respond with symptoms like mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, and cravings.

Why PMS Can Feel So Intense

Many women are surprised by how dramatically PMS can affect their mood and energy. Hormones directly interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), which regulate sleep, mood, and stress. When progesterone is low, the calming effects of the nervous system decrease, leading to insomnia and anxiety.

At the same time, blood sugar levels can amplify cravings and fatigue. Skipping meals, under-eating protein, or consuming more caffeine can worsen these symptoms. Over time, this stress on adrenal glands and cortisol can worsen each cycle.

The Functional Medicine Approach

Rather than masking symptoms with birth control or pain relievers, providers at Vitality get curious about why your body is struggling in the first place. Our team works to identify the root causes and support your body in rebalancing naturally.

Here’s how we help:

1. Comprehensive Hormone Testing

We use tools like the DUTCH test or serum hormone panels to get a clear picture of your hormone levels and how your body is metabolizing them. Are you truly low in progesterone? Is your estrogen being broken down properly? These answers help guide your personalized care plan.

2. Nutrition & Supplement Support

Food is powerful medicine. We’ll support you in balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and replenishing key nutrients. Targeted supplements like magnesium, B-complex, and evening primrose oil may also help regulate your cycle and ease PMS symptoms.

3. Stress & Adrenal Support

Chronic stress can throw off your entire hormone cascade. We’ll help you restore calm with lifestyle strategies, targeted supplements, and mindset support so your hormones can do their job.

4. Detox & Gut Health

Your liver and gut play a major role in clearing excess hormones. We’ll optimize digestion and detox pathways so your body isn’t recycling old estrogen — a common culprit in PMS.

5. Cycle Syncing & Lifestyle Tweaks

Understanding your cycle can help you plan workouts, meals, and even your calendar more effectively. We’ll teach you how to tune into your body’s natural rhythms so you feel more empowered each month.

You Deserve a Better Period

Many women notice improvements in PMS symptoms with simple but strategic changes. Eating balanced meals, supporting better sleep habits, and reducing alcohol can alleviate PMS. Pairing these habits with personalized care and testing can produce life-changing results.

PMS might be common, but it doesn’t have to be your normal. You deserve to feel balanced, energized, and in control of your body all month long.

If PMS is disrupting your life, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Vitality, we’re here to listen, test, and treat with care. Let’s get to the root of your symptoms — and help you feel your best, every day of your cycle.

Ready to feel better?

Book a hormone consultation with us today — your future self will thank you.

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