4 Types of PMS

Dr. Guy Abraham, M.D., a research gynecologist and endocrinologist, identified 4 types of PMS. Identify which type you are to find the best treatment that works for you.

Check out the page on premenstrual syndrome for other helpful suggestions and know that the most important thing you can do to alleviate PMS symptoms is to follow a healthy diet.

PMS A for mild Anxiety, 
irritability, mood swings

This type is marked by nervous tension and being hypersensitive. In Chinese Medicine the liver is the organ that is associated with anger, so it is important to make sure that the liver is not overworking. This can be caused by fried foods or cooked fats, too much dairy or over-consumption of alcohol.

With PMS A estrogen levels are too high and there are insufficient levels of progesterone. Eat plenty of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts, these help metabolize estrogen. 

Supplements:

• Ginger
• Chaste Tree
• Milk thistle
• B Complex taken every day and Vitamin B6 taken the last 14 days of each cycle
• Calcium and Magnesium - make sure to take a chelated or citrate form of calcium, not calcium carbonate. Take magnesium chloride or a chelated form. Take magnesium with calcium, not alone. Calcium 1,500 mg daily, Magnesium 1,000 mg daily
• Chlorophyll in capsule
• Dandelion
• Chamomile as herbal tea or supplement

PMS C for Cravings

Many of my clients tell me that a few days before their period, they consume enormous chocolate bars, massive amounts of sugar and always end up gaining weight during this time. Cravings for carbohydrates can also be accompanied by fatigue, head aches, dizziness, problems with hypoglycemia, regulating sugar levels and heart palpitations.

The most important thing to do when you crave sweets is to increase protein in your diet. And of course decrease sweets! The more sugar you consume the more you crave it. Also avoid processed foods and alcohol.

Supplements:

• Chromium 200 mcg daily - regulates blood sugar levels
• Essential fatty acids
• B complex vitamin taken daily and B6 vitamin taken the last 14 days of the cycle
• 1/4 teaspoon of licorice extract, taken when sugar cravings occur, helps those with low blood pressure and/or hypoglycemia

PMS H for Hydration, water retention

Many women suffer from abdominal bloating and breast tenderness before their periods. It is important to reduce or eliminate salt and all foods containing it, cheese, cold cuts and coffee. Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Supplements:

• Dandelion
• Parsley
• Vitamin E
• B complex vitamin taken daily and B6 vitamin taken the last 14 days of the cycle
• Chaste tree
• Potassium stabilizes the amount of water in the body

PMS D for Drama and Depression

This can be accompanied by insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness, high blood pressure and problems with eyesight. Cycles are very light.

Progesterone levels are higher than estrogen levels.

You must absolutely avoid sugar and anything containing it. Also avoid red meat, cold cuts, salt, cheese and alcohol. Eat potassium rich foods such as bananas, fresh fruits and vegetables. Consult with your doctor or naturopath if symptoms persist.

Supplements:

• B complex vitamin taken daily and B6 vitamin taken the last 14 days of the cycle
• Chlorophyll capsules
• Calcium and Magnesium - make sure to take a chelated or citrate form of calcium, not calcium carbonate. Take magnesium chloride or a chelated form. Take magnesium with calcium, not alone. Calcium 1,500 mg daily, Magnesium 1,000 mg daily
• Potassium
• Essential fatty acids

See also depression self help guide