14/10/2023
Hormonal dark clouds can be really hard to shift especially as they come out a week or two before the menstrual cycle. For some of us they can feel very oppressive and never-ending.
So why does this happen with such regularity?
Firstly, the intricate balance between progesterone and estrogen can easily tip towards a condition known as 'estrogen dominance'.
This can create the surge in PMS/PMT symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, fatigue, tender breasts, insomnia, bad skin and brain fog…
Secondly, diets that rely heavily on refined sugars (junk food), low fibre and a higher ratio of non-organic meat can contribute to an estrogen dominant cycle.
The odd glass of wine may make it past our lips but it can really cause havoc with the liver and tip the body towards a more PMS filled cycle.
Last but not least, long term chronic stress can cause a depletion in the hormone progesterone and upset the estrogen ratio.
So how do we start to work on our monthly PMS/PMT?
Firstly recognise the symptoms for what they are, and know that it may take three cycles or more to see meaningful results.
Start by supporting the liver and digestive system, they are both involved in the metabolism (break down) and excretion of all of your hormones (including estrogen).
Increase your consumption of green vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale and chard…
Try to include sulphur rich vegetables such as radishes, white and red onions, leeks, shallots and chive. Your liver will love you!
Add more fibre rich foods such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans and adzuki beans to support estrogen clearance from the body…
This is by no means an exhaustive list and it may seem like a tall order but small, meaningful ‘tweakments’ can create lasting results.
