One common cause of PMS and how to solve it

PMS is often a sign to check the engine light.

Why does PMS happen? Like many health conditions, the causes are multifaceted. Below is one possible cause of PMS.

Estrogen rises to its highest levels at ovulation, which occurs between days 12 to 16 of the cycle. PMS in cycling women is most common around ovulation and in the premenstrual week, when the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio is usually at its highest.

In healthy women, estrogen should only be dominant for a few hours each month, not sustained dominance. Ideally, progesterone—which surges from the corpus luteum after ovulation—lowers estrogen and its effects by clearing it from cells. Therefore, when progesterone is at healthy levels after ovulation, PMS is usually minimal or not reported at all. However, if estrogen is high relative to progesterone, side effects can occur if this balance is not maintained.

The role of thyroid:
Thyroid function is often impacted during the 20s and 30s in women, around the same time many start to experience PMS.

Thyroid hormone and vitamin A are needed for the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone; deficiency in any of these decreases steroid synthesis. Pregnenolone is the precursor to both progesterone and DHEA. Progesterone is a protective hormone that offsets the effects of high estrogen. Low thyroid function, low cholesterol, or vitamin deficiencies may result in low progesterone.

Vitamin A-rich foods such as liver, pastured eggs, dairy, and natural desiccated thyroid supplements may be beneficial.

Thiamine for PMS:
Over 10 studies have shown great results using thiamine (vitamin B1) for PMS—comparable or even more effective than some medications.

Study on premenstrual syndrome using thiamine 100mg twice daily:
At 2 months, PMS symptoms were reduced:

• Anxiety 96%

• Sleep disorder 80%

• Depression 80%

• Fatigue 73%

• Poor concentration 70%

• Tension 55%

• Breast tenderness 7%

Progesterone for PMS:
Many adult women remedy their PMS with natural progesterone (not to be confused with synthetic progestin).

The basic approach is to use enough progesterone to make symptoms disappear and time its use so that menstrual cycles remain undisturbed—usually only between ovulation and menstruation. Patients often apply Raena’sprogesterone cream to a thin part of their skin. In cycling women, progesterone is often not needed long-term; sometimes just a few doses can relieve PMS.

Magnesium for PMS:
Magnesium is one of the best treatments for PMS and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Some researchers suggest it works by “normalizing the action of progesterone on the central nervous system.”

To start your journey to solving PMS, visit www.raenahealth.com!