Although 90 percent of all women in their reproductive years experience varying degrees of PMS, the cause of PMS is not fully understood. Most experts agree that PMS symptoms are a reaction to hormonal changes that occur just before a woman's menstrual period. The hormones estrogen and progesterone and hormone-like prostaglandins all play a role. When progesterone levels drop just before menstruation, estrogen and prostaglandin levels also fluctuate. This fluctuation may be responsible for a wide variety of PMS symptoms.

The most common symptoms include: depression, irritability, mood swings, acne, fatigue, dizziness, increased appetite, headaches, cramps, joint stiffness, breast tenderness, digestive problems, insomnia, bloating and weight gain. Our clients often experience strong food cravings for refined carbohydrates or sugar two to ten days before the start of their menstrual periods.

Historically, women’s symptoms have been belittled. PMS symptoms were considered character flaws, or worse—imagined. When we work with clients at Nutritional Weight & Wellness, we assure them that their symptoms are biochemical and provide information about how to minimize or eliminate their discomfort through nutrition and supplements.