Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that women experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period

The impact of PMS
on quality of life is
massive

Awareness of the impact of PMS and
PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric
disorder) on women’s health is limited
An estimated 90% of sufferers of PMDD
are not diagnosed correctly!
On any given day 300 million women are menstruating globally

The Monthly Dance of the Hormones

PMS driven by 2 factors:

The 4 types of PMS

*Possible to have combination of these symptoms
PMS- A (Anxiety)

Key Symptoms: Feeling of being overwhelmed, irritable

Hormones: Imbalance in estrogen & progesterone ratio , low serotonin

PMS-D (Depression)

Key Symptoms: Fatigue, confusion

Hormones: Low serotonin

PMS-H (Hydration)

Key Symptoms: Bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness

Hormones: Excess Estrogen

PMS-C (Cravings)

Key Symptoms: Increased appetite, fatigue, headaches

Hormones: Low serotonin, Low cortisol

Source: Annex Naturopathic clinic

The 4 types
of PMS*

*Possible to have combination of these symptoms
Family history of endometriosis (Early Menstruation before age of 11)
Higher than normal levels of estrogen
Reverse Menstruation: Tissue enters fallopian tube instead of exiting body during periods
Immune system fails to detect and destroy endometrial tissue growing out of uterus

Understanding your body is key to diagnosis

Low awareness is a barrier

I faced disbelief from 3 male GPs before finding a doctor who listened to my concerns. It shouldn’t have to be this hard for women to have our symptoms taken seriously. I had to religiously track and show my cycle data before anyone would believe me

3 steps to an early diagnosis

Track your symptoms

Use a diary or better a symptom tracking app such as Me vs. PMDD (https://mevpmdd.com/)

Understand your triggers

Monitor your food intake, avoid salty food and alcohol , map out triggers that have led to flare ups

Find a OB / GYN you trust

Identify a doctor that you are comfortable with. Provide your symptoms upfront. Be ready to educate the doctor

3 Approaches in treating PMS and PMDD*

Anti-Depressants*

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine , sertraline , citalopram , and paroxetine

Biggest drawback of long term use is the impact on sexual life e.g: decreased libido, difficulty to orgasm)

Lifestyle and Nutrition
A combination of healthy diet, nutrition, and regular exercise helps manage PMS symptoms
Hormonal Birth Control*
Synthetic progesterone and estrogen to stop ovulation. Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is the only FDA approved medicine against PMDD Long term use of birth control pills have been shown to increase risk of cervical, breast, and liver cancer
*The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

3 Treatment options for PMS and PMDD*

Anti-Depressants*
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine , sertraline , citalopram, and paroxetine.

Biggest drawback of long term use is the impact on sexual life e.g: decreased libido, difficulty to orgasm)
Lifestyle and Nutrition
A combination of healthy diet, nutrition, and regular exercise helps manage PMS symptoms
Hormonal Birth Control*
Synthetic progesterone and estrogen to stop ovulation. Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is the only FDA approved medicine against PMDD

Long term use of birth control pills have been shown to increase risk of cervical, breast, and liver cancer

*The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Her-bio approach

Targeted ingredients to boost serotonin and remove excess estrogen reducing key PMS symptoms

Target Health Goals

Learn more about Other Conditions