PMS and Hormonal Imbalance: 10 Steps to Getting Rid of PMS Forever

PMS symptoms can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst. The ratio of progesterone to estrogen could be one of the reasons for PMS and hormonal imbalances that cause PMS issues such as insomnia, weight gain around the hips, thighs, bloating moodiness, constipation, and MUCH more.

The good news is that you can undertake various basic steps to make the situation better.

Common Symptoms:

PMS is a common condition that is characterized by a vast range of symptoms. Many ladies are familiar with the abdominal pain and cramping that are so common a few days before their period. PMS could also be characterized by:

• Mood swings & depression around cycle time
• Breast pain and tenderness
• Variations or skipped cycles
• Vaginal dryness or itchiness
• Excessive or scanty blood flow during periods
• Cyclic insomnia, night sweats & fatigue

Causes of PMS and Hormonal Imbalances

Liver functioning and nutrient deficits could easily contribute to both PMS and hormonal imbalances as the liver is responsible for 3 main jobs that effect hormonal balance:

1) Balancing blood sugar
The liver plays a number of important roles that are connected to hormone level regulation. It balances the blood sugar & storing glycogen (sugar). The inability to perform this function forces the adrenal gland to work extra-hard, which decreases the body’s ability to produce progesterone. The stress steals from your body’s ability to make progesterone to support hormonal balance.

2) Converting thyroid hormone T4 to T3-
The liver is responsible for converting thyroid hormone (converting T4- inactive form to T3-active form). This conversion is very important for maintaining hormone synthesis and the normal levels of the most important female hormones.

3) Detoxifying toxins and used hormones from the system.
The liver plays a major role in detoxification. Used hormones, just like a waste, have to be eliminated from the body. A liver that functions poorly will be incapable of doing its job, which is why excess hormones will remain in the bloodstream and cause problems.

SO NOW WHAT?

“With a diet high in protein (e.g. 70-100grams per day including eggs) and vitamin A (liver once a week) I have found that the dose {progesterone replacement} can be reduced every month,” Dr. Ray Peat, Ph.D.

How to Overcome PMS and Hormonal Imbalances with Food

In order to overcome the symptoms of PMS, you’ll need to be a bit more careful about nutrition and stress. There are several things you can do to enhance the function of the liver.

1.) Stop dieting and eat MORE food.
For starters, focus on quality nutrition. Protein and healthy carbs are essential for nourishing your body. Protein intake should reach 70 to 100 grams per day or approximately 25 percent of the calories that you are consuming. Eggs, dairy products, and fish are all great choices. The traditional chicken, beef, lamb and turkey are also wonderful picks.

2.) Nourish your liver.
Protein intake should reach 70 to 100 grams per day based on your weight or approximately 25 percent of the calories that you are consuming. Eggs, dairy products, and fish are all great choices. The traditional chicken, beef, lamb and turkey are also fantastic picks.

This will help to create the amino acid (building blocks of protein) balance needed to reflect “eating the whole animal.” In doing this, you empower the liver’s detoxification process to help your body take out the trash and detoxify estrogen properly.

3.) Balance your Blood Sugar
Be careful about your blood sugar levels. Avoid foods that can cause a spike. Eat frequently and in small quantities to help stabilize blood sugar. Slow carbs like wholegrain products are great because they don’t cause a sudden increase in your blood sugar level and they continue providing your body with energy for a longer period.

4.) Minimize Stress
Identify and reduce stressors in your life. Deal with stress in a productive way. The lack of sleep and working extra-hard could contribute to hormonal imbalances. Look for opportunities to relax. Having a massage every week or going to a yoga class could be great for combating chronic stress.

5.) Increase Hormone Synthesis
To increase hormone synthesis in your diet, eat more foods containing vitamin A (animal sources, like liver or small amounts of fermented cod liver/butter oil) and vitamin, copper & bright lights (the sun, etc.every now and then).

These play a vital role in hormone synthesis and can easily contribute to less severe PMS symptoms. Boost your intake of carrots. Raw carrots make it easier for the body to get rid of excess estrogen. A few clinical studies suggest that women who increase their carrot intake experience almost instantaneous relief from their PMS symptoms.

6.) Decrease Hormone Blockers
Certain foods could slow down hormone synthesis. Avoid these! Unsaturated fats and too much iron (from fortified foods, vitamins, or muscle meat heavy diet), excess estrogen (hormone replacement, birth control, or liver malnutrition to adequately detoxify used estrogen), ultraviolet light and x-rays could be contributing to hormonal problems.

7.) Eat Easy to Digest Food
Eat easy to digest foods to reduce endotoxin that can back up the liver (especially important for those with digestive distress). This means more simple sugars (ripe fruits & honey), roots, tubers, & dairy products (if tolerated).

8.) Epsom Bath
Enjoy anow and then. Dissolve 1 – 4 cups of Epsom salt (magnesium) in the bath water and soak in it for 20 to 30 minutes. This ritual is especially beneficial before going to bed.

9.) Eating Carrots
Eat 1-2 raw carrots a day can help the colon absorb endotoxin and estrogen for excretion. According to Ray Peat, “Several women who suffered from premenstrual symptoms, including a migraine, had their serum estrogen measured before and after the “carrot diet,” and they found that the carrot lowered their estrogen within a few days, as it relieved their symptoms.”

10.) Listen to your body
Take good care of your body and don’t make bad nutritional choices. Food is essential for maintaining the complex hormonal balance.

The selection of the right foods will help you feel healthier; it will regulate your cycle and possibly help you get rid of PMS altogether.

Finally, remember to listen to your body. It is providing a lot of essential information, and as long as you pay attention, you’ll know how to handle common problems like PMS and hormonal imbalances.