The Lynn Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Lynn

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. Michael Ryan. 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

Search:

Dr. Ryan Asks some important questions of interest to Lynn residents - Chiropractor Lynn Dr. Ryan Asks...

If you have a fever, are you sick or healthy?
Chiropractors love asking this question because it gets to the root of the chiropractic difference. Turns out fevers, vomiting, coughing and even sneezing are all healthy responses. It means your body is working correctly. Taking medications to suppress these natural processes can actually prolong your recovery.
Why are chiropractors wary of the germ theory?
Louis Pasteur originated the idea that germs caused disease. Yet, on his deathbed he recanted, declaring, "It's not the seed, but the soil." Meaning, it's not the germ that causes disease, but the condition of the body that allows the germ to thrive. Chiropractic care in our Lynn office is designed to bolster your resistance so germs don't see you as a good host.