What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional and physical symptoms that happen in the second part of a woman’s monthly cycle. It can last anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks.

Many doctors believe that PMS is caused by estrogen dominance. Either the body is not making enough progesterone or it has too much estrogen because of its impaired elimination. This problem could be correctable by progesterone supplementation and/or estrogen metabolism optimization.

PMS Symptoms

It is highly likely that you suffer from PMS if you have these symptoms during the second part of your menstrual cycle:

• Mood swings
• Depression or anxiety (or both)
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Libido loss
• Body Tension

Sound familiar? No worries, there’s good news. Your PMS may be correctable.

When to See a Doctor About PMS

Although PMS may seem like a benign problem that can be corrected anytime, it may not be as harmless as one would think. If the PMS is caused by estrogen dominance, this has been linked to the increased risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, estrogen dominance has been linked to higher rates of ovarian cysts, fibrosis, endometriosis, and even infertility.

That’s not all. Some women lose too much iron in their bodies from overactive hormones and experience long-term damage. Others have family or career problems from the mood swings.  A patient once came in concerned about how much she was yelling at her family. Her PMS was causing severe relationship stresses that she could not control!

Correcting this hormonal imbalance may not just provide relief, it may save your life, your career or your family. If you would to set up an appointment with Dr. Kalitenko, contact us today.

DIY Solutions for PMS

If you are experiencing the symptoms above contact your doctor immediately to get the right diagnosis and treatment and to rule other than PMS causes of your symptoms. Before you see a doctor, there are two simple steps you can take on your own. First, there are often behaviors that may trigger the problem. If you can, try to eliminate or lessen triggers like these:

• Alcohol intake
• Caffeine intake
• Too much stress
• Not enough sleep
• Carbohydrates
• Salt

Second, try to eat foods that will help balance your hormones. Examples would be:

• Food containing omega-3 fatty acids
• Any food that’s rich in magnesium, calcium and vitamins
• Avoiding processed foods (especially ones that have high levels of salt, refined sugars, caffeine or alcohol)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: at least five fruits and five vegetables a day

Holistic Solution for PMS

If you have taken these precautions on your own and are still having issues, it may be a result of a hormonal imbalance. This is comparable to having a monthly paycheck that’s not quite enough. You keep running out of money by the end of each month. The easiest solution would be to ask for more money. So what if it was possible to simply ask for a raise and get it? Your hardships would be over.

Luckily, this is the case for PMS. We can change your paycheck into exactly the right amount with the support of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This may include hormonal supplements like progesterone cream or pills to correct the imbalance. Most patients who are given the support with BHRT experience more energy, more passion and productivity, and even more libido!

Of course, these steps should be taken under physician supervision. Although it’s easy to self-diagnose with the help of the internet, the diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome needs to be based on clinical grounds. This is important in order to rule out other conditions that could look like PMS, like thyroid problems or adrenal problems.

Test results will be most accurate if you come in for an appointment to check your hormones around the 21st day of your cycle. If you are plagued with PMS, around that day is when your estrogen to progesterone ratio will be higher than optimal.

Correcting hormonal imbalances may provide exactly the support your body needs to feel better. Your loved ones may thank you, too! Give us a call or visit us at our Long Island, NY or Brooklyn location. We are easily accessible from any borough in New York City, whether you’re from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, or the Bronx.

Why Sergey Kalitenko MD?

Sergey Kalitenko MD is licensed in New York State and certified by the Board of Internal Medicine. He specializes in looking for the root cause of your problem. He addresses the underlying cause instead of just taking care of your symptoms, so you feel more like yourself again.

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