Overview

Have you been experiencing bloating or food cravings right before your period? Or do you experience changes in mood or get more anxious a week before menstruation? A PMS treatment session with us might be just what you need for overall wellness. Here's what to know about PMS treatments for functional medicine.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of symptoms that commonly occur a week or two before menstruation. The severity and intensity of PMS symptoms differ from one patient to the next, which is why a functional approach to treating PMS is preferred by patients looking to increase their overall wellness.

Common PMS symptoms include:

• increase in acne
• swelling and tenderness of breasts
• bloating
• headaches
• cramps
• increase in irritability and moodiness
• food cravings and changes to your appetite
• depression and increase in anxiety
• trouble focusing

Patients that are in their late 30s or 40s may experience worsening physical and emotional PMS symptoms as they get closer to menopause.

What Are the Benefits of Integrative PMS Treatments?

There are multiple benefits to using an integrative approach to PMS treatments. As previously mentioned, every patient experiences different symptoms of PMS at varying degrees of severity. An individualized approach based on your symptoms will help improve your overall quality of life. It can include the following methods of treatment:

• acupuncture
• yoga
• tai chi
• meditation
• naturopathy
• herbal supplements
• deep breathing
• changes to diet
• cognitive behavior therapy

What to Expect During a PMS Treatment Session

If you've never had a PMS treatment session before, you might be wondering what to expect during your appointment. A trained physician at Carol Ann Berg-Barker, DDS will begin by asking you a series of comprehensive health questions to determine your current health status, as well as all the PMS symptoms you are experiencing. From there, you may be required to take lab tests to determine your hormone levels. Your physician will then prescribe a series of treatments, including acupuncture, yoga, meditation, or recommend that you see a naturopath or certified herbalist.

Effective PMS management requires an accurate evaluation and prompt care using safe, effective functional techniques.

For more information about PMS contact Carol Ann Berg-Barker, DDS at (760) 776-5025.