PMS and Menstrual Problems

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is common with many women across the globe affecting 75-90% of women at some point. PMS is defined as a collection of symptoms that normally occur for one to two weeks before menstruation, presenting with symptoms such as abdominal cramps, headaches, breast distention, cravings, mood changes and bloating.  Although considered a normal process, it is actually not and every individual can have different experiences.

Treatment with our naturopaths can address the root cause of the problem and not just settle with the easing of symptoms. During this phase of a monthly cycle, a woman’s body undergoes a number of hormonal changes that can be modulated and regulated to lessen the sometimes-debilitating affects.

Here at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary, our naturopathic doctors can take a number of approaches to best suit each individual’s needs around the treatment of PMS. Although painkillers and the birth control pill may be the most commonly used treatment for women, taking these pills may have a negative long-term impact on a woman’s overall health.

Our approach to care may include hormone testing, nutrition, lifestyle changes (incorporating an exercise regime), nutrient supplementation, IV Magnesium, hormone balancing herbs and more.

A full evaluation of hormones helps to address the underlying hormonal imbalances that cause the symptoms called PMS. This testing can include:

• Comprehensive thyroid testing
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• Cortisol
• DHEA-S
• Insulin
• FSH
• LH
• Estrogen metabolism

Once imbalances are identified, individualized treatment plans are developed to restore optimal hormone levels. This may include the use of vitamins, herbs, nutrients and/or bio-identical hormones.

Case Studies

Hormones – Central to Our Well-being

A fourty-two year old female re-making her way in the business world after dedicating her life to raising two children and enduring a stressful marriage is confronted by an overwhelmingly negative well-being. Over the past year she has gained 12 pounds, she is increasingly irritable and moody, her period is lasting too long with very heavy bleeding, bloating and water retention are a problem and her sleep is very interrupted. One of our naturopathic doctors examined the patient’s current hormonal health to assess any changes that may benefit the patient.

The patient’s estrogen level was too high and her progesterone level was too low. Tests indicated that the patient suffered from hypothyroidism. Her cortisol was too low and there was insufficient B12. The patient was given a regime that included progesterone support, adrenal gland support, herbal supplements to decrease estrogen and provide thyroid function support. A comprehensive multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D and B12 injections rounded out the treatment plan.

After six months of naturopathic treatment at our Calgary clinic the patient lost 8 pounds, she has a decreased risk of estrogen-based cancers, her mood is stabilized, sleep patterns are healthy and her period has returned to normal. Overall, with a greatly improved well-being she is facing up to her current life challenges fully engaged with a sense of control and empowerment.

Therapies Used for the Treatment of PMS

• Intravenous Vitamin-Mineral Infusions
• Herbal and Nutrient Therapy
• Detoxification
• Nutrition Optimization
• Acupuncture