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PMS Again?

Women's health issues image.

You’re cranky, tired, achy and irritable. You feel bloated and you cry easily. You crave salt and chocolate and you say things you really don’t mean. The scale tips upward and your mood shifts are even making you feel like you’re crazy! Ah yes, it’s your favorite time of the month – PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is raging once again and your family has headed for the hills. What makes you feel this way?

No one really knows what causes PMS, but it is thought to be largely hormonal and may occur due to elevated estrogen levels, decreased progesterone levels, and the hormonal interaction with other brain chemicals. It generally occurs two to 14 days before the first day of your menstrual cycle, and symptoms tend to subside once menstruation begins.

Classic PMS symptoms fall into two categories:

  • Physical, such as bloating, weight gain, headache, backache, fatigue, breast tenderness or swelling, increased appetite/cravings

  • Emotional – such as irritability, depression, mood swings, panic attacks, bouts of crying, tension, hostility

There are many non-drug alternatives that reduce the severity of or even relieve PMS symptoms, including:

  • Dietary changes, including increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables, fish with omega-3 oils (tuna, salmon, shellfish), grains, lean proteins

  • Exercise, because it releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which are natural mood elevators that help reduce bloating and weight gain

  • Frequent hydrating, by drinking plenty of water you actually reduce swelling/bloating

  • Stress reduction techniques, such as prayer and meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time doing a favorite hobby or activity

  • Chiropractic care, shown to be helpful in relieving many PMS symptoms in several studies1,2,3 when receiving two to three adjustments during the weeks leading up to the onset of the menstrual cycle.

If you’re plagued with the symptoms of PMS (or know someone who is), call our practice and arrange to come in and speak with Dr. Jon Crooker. Hear our success stories in caring for patients with PMS.

1Thompson, P.R.,Fisher, B.L., Carpenter, P.A. et al. Effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy in a treatment of primary dysmenorrheal: A pilot study. JMPT, 1979, 2,pp.140-145

2 Liebel, N.A. & Butler, L.M. A chiropractic approach to the treatment of dysmenorrheal. JMPT 1990,13 pp. 101-106

3 Stude, D.E. The management of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. JMPT, 1991, 14, pp.209-216

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Dr. Jon Asks some important questions of interest to Bryn Mawr residents - Chiropractor Bryn Mawr Dr. Jon Asks...

How come medical doctors don't recommend chiropractic?
That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. As more and more Bryn Mawr folks seek alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to chiropractors.
How do you "catch" a cold?
Simply lower your resistance by avoiding the proper rest and exercise, eating lots of sugar and junk food, putting up with emotional stress and neglecting your nervous system by avoiding your chiropractor. You won't have to catch a cold because it will catch you!