Mood swings and irritability, bloating, food cravings and breast tenderness? Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a broad term encompassing all these fun symptoms, and more, that can occur in the week before your period. Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS, with extreme symptoms that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you tame the beast, and get back to feeling like yourself again.

PMS is caused by an imbalance in oestrogen and progesterone, the two main hormones that drive your cycle. Stress, unhealthy eating and insufficient sleep can also contribute to this imbalance.

Conventional medicine treatments work by blocking your natural hormones – they may relieve symptoms but don’t change your underlying health – more bandaid than cure. Conventional treatments may also have unwanted side effects.

Rather than addressing individual symptoms, Chinese medicine looks at your body as a whole to remedy underlying imbalances. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can balance your hormones, relieve stress and promote calm.  When formulating a treatment, I look at your body holistically, addressing your particular concerns and rebalancing your system for optimal health and wellbeing. Your treatment plan may also include supplements and changes to your diet.

Chinese medicine is a safe treatment approach for PMS. A recent systematic review of 19 separate studies found that acupuncture and herbal medicine lead to a 50% or better reduction in symptoms of PMS or PMDD. No adverse events were recorded in any of these trials.

Chinese medicine is a gentle, natural option for many women’s health problems including PMS, period pain, heavy or irregular periods and infertility. If your period is giving you grief, you’re planning a pregnancy or simply want to feel great, give Chinese medicine a try!