PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is something most women have experienced at some point — mood swings, bloating, fatigue, cravings or just feeling “off” in the days leading up to your period.
But while it’s common, it’s not something we should just accept as normal and push through. PMS is a sign that something in your body needs attention, and ignoring it could mean missing an opportunity to support your overall health in a deeper way.
PMS is a clue, not a curse
Our menstrual cycles are an incredible reflection of our overall well-being. If you’re dealing with intense PMS symptoms, your body isn’t just being difficult. It’s trying to communicate with you. Things like irritability, headaches, painful cramps and exhaustion often are signs of hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies or stress overload. Instead of covering them up with quick fixes, we need to look at the root cause.
Why you should pay attention
1. Your hormones need support. PMS symptoms often mean that estrogen and progesterone aren’t balanced the way they should be. This can be influenced by diet, stress, gut health and even how well your body detoxifies hormones.
2. Your blood sugar might be all over the place. Ever noticed you crave sugar or carbs right before your period? That’s often because blood sugar regulation is off, which can make mood swings, fatigue and cravings even worse.
3. It can be a sign of something bigger. Severe PMS isn’t just a nuisance. It can be a sign of underlying issues like nutrient deficiencies, thyroid imbalances or even conditions like PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Paying attention to your symptoms can help you get ahead of these issues before they escalate.
Supporting your body naturally
Rather than just pushing through or relying on band-aid solutions, focusing on real nourishment can make a huge difference. Here’s where to start:
• Prioritize healthy fats and protein. Your hormones are built from fats and proteins, so if you’re not getting enough, your body will struggle to keep things balanced. Focus on high-quality animal proteins, eggs, grass-fed butter, wild-caught fish and healthy fats, like avocado and olive oil. These also help keep blood sugar steady, which can prevent mood swings and cravings.
• Don’t skimp on fiber. Fiber supports gut health and helps your body eliminate excess estrogen, which can ease bloating and irritability. Load up on things like leafy greens, berries and flaxseeds.
• Ditch the processed junk. Processed foods, sugar and industrial seed oils (like canola and soybean oil) can drive inflammation and throw off your hormones. Stick to whole, nutrient-dense foods as much as possible.
• Support stress and sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep can wreak havoc on your cycle. Prioritize good sleep hygiene, get outside in natural light, and find ways to regulate stress, whether it’s deep breathing, gentle movement or time in nature.
Listen to your body
PMS isn’t something we just have to “deal with.” It’s a signal from your body asking for more support. When we start paying attention to these signs and nourishing our bodies properly, we can experience easier cycles, better energy and overall improved well-being.
Your period should be a time of renewal, not a dreaded battle every month. If your PMS is speaking loudly, listen because when we work with our bodies instead of against them, everything starts to feel better.
Bri Edwards is a holistic health coach at Healthy Foundations in Dubuque.
