Finding Balance: A Functional Medicine Approach to PMS
Are you tired of feeling like a rollercoaster every month? Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms affecting your well-being. At our Revivo Health, we take a Functional Medicine approach to PMS, focusing on uncovering the root causes and developing a personalized plan for relief.
PMS is a unique experience for every woman. There is not copy-paste. We’ll listen attentively to your story and experiences, creating a safe space for you to share your struggles.
Beyond the Symptoms, Lies the Cause. Functional Medicine goes beyond just managing symptoms with medication. We aim to identify the underlying reasons behind your PMS, paving the way for long-lasting improvements in your menstrual cycle. Often, we can help you get off medication or reduce it significantly.
PMS: A multi-factorial condition
Causes of PMS will vary greatly between patients. There is no such thing as one-size fits-all. Digging deep into the underlying dysfunctions and causes is critical:
- Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones can contribute to bloating, mood swings, and cramps. This, in turn, can be due to adrenal dysfunction.
- Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B6, and essential fatty acids can trigger or worsen PMS symptoms.
- Chronic stress can disrupt your hormonal balance and exacerbate PMS symptoms.
- Inflammation throughout the body can contribute to pain and discomfort during your period. It can also drive hormonal imbalances.
- Intestinal dysbiosis, or an imbalance of gut bacteria, can affect hormone metabolism and contribute to PMS symptoms.
To identify the root cause of your PMS, we need to employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach
- Conventional blood tests assess your hormone levels, blood sugar control, and inflammation markers.
- Functional Medicine tests can often give more valuable information:
- Stool tests give insights into your gut bacteria composition and potential imbalances. Gut pathogen may also be present and cause hormonal imbalances.
- Nutrient deficiency tests are important to check levels of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Salivary hormone testing can provide a more comprehensive picture of hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle.
- A month-long evaluation of sex-hormones can be very useful to assess un-timely drops in estrogen and progesterone which can trigger PMS.
The Revivo Health Approach
Our goal is to empower you to experience a smoother cycle. Through a personalized Functional Medicine approach, we can help you identify triggers, address underlying causes, and develop strategies to manage PMS symptoms effectively. With a balanced menstrual cycle, you can experience a renewed sense of well-being and energy throughout the month.
Our diagnostic approach makes it possible to develop a personalized treatment plan which may include:
- Dietary adjustments: Implementing a balanced diet rich in whole foods, addressing potential food sensitivities, and optimizing nutrient intake.
- Hormonal balancing: Utilizing lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to optimize your hormonal profile.
- Stress management: Implementing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Supplements: Utilizing targeted supplements to address identified deficiencies and support hormonal balance.
- Gut health restoration: Promoting a healthy gut microbiome with probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications.
