PMS: Embrace and Manage
PMS: Embrace, and Manage
You know those moments when you’re are a little more “emotional” than usual. BUT you don’t realize it right away because your too busy freaking the f*** out, crying, being overwhelmed, irritated, and everything seems to be going wrong at the same. No? Is it just my dramatic ass? Don’t lie.
Here’s a back story on what made me decide to write this blog.
I started my day going to a spa, I got my first professional wax, and a deep tissue massage, and I spent the rest of the morning naked in the steam room, followed by reading, while sipping tea and eating pumpkins seeds and dried cranberries (great combination by the way). After the spa, I went to Chanel and drank sparkling water, while trying on beautiful, expensive clothes, like I was going to buy a $4,900 pea coat. A girl can dream. I was excited to go to a show where one of my favorite Boston artists were promoting her new album. It was a great day and surely to be a great night! Note: At the spa I noticed some spotting and slight cramps but I was so relaxed, it didn’t phase me.
When I got home and proceeded to finish some work before this awesome show. I later found out that I didn’t get the job I hoped I ‘d get while I declined another offer. Slight regret. And as I prepared to drive to the show my car wouldn’t start, I called AAA for a jump only to find out I need a whole new battery. I am pissed. I decided I need to still get out the house and be around great music and amazing creatives and like minds in my city so I was going to take the hour long public transportation trip to get there. I couldn’t find my debit card. I freak out. I decided to stay in and mope around. I ended up contacting not only my ex-husband, but the 2 other short term (toxic) relationships I obtained since my separation (if you can relate with this, check out week 1 of your cycle on myhormonlogy.com or the Hormone Horoscope app). I spoke to one, who interpreted my communication as an opportunity to hook up, (eww) what was I doing. Later on I cried, had a huge attitude and felt extremely overwhelmed and not myself. I felt I couldn’t deal, which is not me, but it must be me, since it’s me that experiencing this right now. WHAT IS GOING ON!?
I am no stranger to depression, anxiety, being overwhelmed and/or overly irritated, in fact I don’t think any human is stranger to those feelings. But there are times when those feeling come out of NOWHERE! Especially after a good start to the day! Next thing I know I’m crying on the phone to the best friend, screaming insecurities and disappointments. Where is this coming from? I woke up to sipping tea in cat cow, and telling myself how comforting it is to feel like I am exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. Then she asks the question, “are you on your period”.
Now before I go on, I have to put this disclaimer out there. When people ESPECIALLY MEN say this women, as a response to us being bothered by your actions, and trying to express ourselves the way we want, this is not okay, if this statement is used an Insult, or in a mocking tone to demean, and disregard a women’s feeling, then we, excuse me YOU have a problem.
Okay so back to it, when my bestie asked me that, a light bulb goes off, and I grudgingly, yet slightly relieved answer “I think so” in my (what I think is cute) whiney voice.
What I period depression:
Those 3 letters that hold so much power P.M.S (Premenstrual Syndrome) or a.k.a PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which is a more severe form of PMS.
PMDD is said to occur a week or two before your menstrual cycle and have a tendency to really impact your relationships and even your normal functioning! Normal behaviors of PMDD or PMS are depression, irritability and anxiety and mood swings. Geez, and I thought I was bleeding from my vagina and my body was telling me I can still sustain human life, no matter how long I had my IUD in.
Symptoms also include:
· Anger
· Fatigue
· Sleeping more or less (me I sleep waaaaay more)
· Eating more or less (me, I eat waaaaay more)
· Forgetfulness
· Sadness
https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-depression#why-it-happens
This is serious stuff and it said that at least 40% of women go seek treatment for PMDD and oftentimes are diagnosed with some other underlying emotional disorder, so yea be ready to get evaluated.
I’m a pretty self-reflecting and psycho-analytical person, I go way deep on how I feel about myself, and how to take responsibility for my circumstances. And when I get into this stage sometimes I feel nothing is right, I curse the universe and take it back, I say screw meditation, screw my organic kombucha, screw this ginger tea, I’m miserable I want wine and cigarettes. It’s easy to get stuck in old detrimental ways, they are things that you remember that created an illusion of comfort. I know I need to have a backup plan when I start to have these thoughts. Yes, I am an herbalist and human and shitty things still happen. But practice and consistency is key and ever evolving. Don’t guilt yourself, let this period (pun intended) allow you to show love to yourself even more.
https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/
Not we aren’t sure the exact cause of PMS but we know that there is a connection between a hormone imbalance.
I would guess that when you have these two pocket thingies on each side of your pelvis, that are responsible for making eggs, that then travel through a tube that leads to a human sustaining home that when introduced to sperm has the potential to create a part of a new generation every month, perhaps may effect some hormones and may have its emotional and physical toll.
And when your estrogen and progesterone levels change (or drop) your serotonin levels are effected. Your serotonin levels affect the regulation in your sleeping, eating and mood cycles.
But then after you’ve had your period, a few days later your hormones level rise again and you start to level out. Like your vagina bleeding is your fix.
Now I have a few ways to help you during these times.
This is a regular thing and there not really a medicine out there that fixes our PMS because it’s a natural way for our bodies to work and react.
So I say we must embrace and manage:
1. Track your cycle. Track your moods. Journal, or even record them in some on the period apps that are available these days. Like Spoton or Hormone Horoscope app
2. Got milk? Not necessarily milk, it is said you should stay away from milk during this time. But Calcium is said to help with PMS depression and other symptoms.
Yogurt, dark leafy greens, cheese to name a few things. I also like Nettle, I don’t feel like cooking too often when I am feeling this way, but I get certain cravings and an easy quick thing to make is scrambled eggs. My go to is scrambled eggs with sautéed garlic and Nettles. There you get a quick easy, meal and tons of calcium from the nettle and the anti-inflammatory benefits from the garlic.
Other sources of calcium
Vitamin B-6 is said to help as well that’s in foods like fish, chicken and fruits.
3. Lifestyle changes and self-care
· Exercise
Even if you just do a light stretch, touch your toes, anything! Any form of intentional movement promotes healthy circulation and allows your body to process and receive its natural way of healing and balancing much better. Exercise also gives your energy, improves your mood and is a healthy distraction. Check out some of period yoga links down below.
· Stress management
We all have different ways of managing our stress. I love meditation. Meditation allows me to be patient, to listen to my body, mind, and soul, and relaxes me through my menstrual cycle
· Nutrition
During your menstrual cycle you want to increase your intake in antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and amino acids that contain sulfur.
Amino Acids: Onions, garlic, eggs, beans.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.
Antioxidants: These are foods that vitamin C and E and selenium. These types of foods increase the “detoxification of estrogen”.
Stay away from fats, sugars and refined foods and red meat.
· Rest
Take naps, get a massage, sit and do nothing, however you interpret complete rest, set aside time to do so.
Period yoga:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iglbdN1tmF0
Adrienne is super sweet, funny, and encouraging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIX8auOH_M
Jessamine is absolutely amazing!
Self-care is doing things that make you feel good, so that ranges. Find out those activities that bring you joy and try to fit them in as much as you can. I love naps these days, and I love to set time aside to brain fart all my creative ideas without judgment or overthinking, just keeping my mind sharp, and validating my creativity and purposes. Make time for your things, even if they are small or last just a few moments.
4. Herbs for menstrual
5. For your nervous system:
· Melissa (Lemon balm)
· Chamomile
· Lavender
· Nettle
· Motherwort
· Horsetail
· Raspberry leaf
· Red Clover
· Oat Straw
For your Liver:
· Burdock Root
· Dandelion Root
· Ginger
· Licorice Root
· Dong Quai (Angelica)
· Wild Yam Root
Try these in combinations in teas or tinctures.
Share some of your methods! What are way you have found that help you during your PMS stage?
PMS: Embrace, and Manage.
You know those moments when you’re are a little more “emotional” than usual. BUT you don’t realize it right away because your too busy freaking the f*** out, crying, being overwhelmed, irritated, and everything seems to be going wrong at the same. No? Is it just my dramatic ass? Don’t lie.
Here’s a back story on what made me decide to write this blog.
I started my day going to a spa, I got my first professional wax, and a deep tissue massage, and I spent the rest of the morning naked in the steam room, followed by reading, while sipping tea and eating pumpkins seeds and dried cranberries (great combination by the way). After the spa, I went to Chanel and drank sparkling water, while trying on beautiful, expensive clothes, like I was going to buy a $4,900 pea coat. A girl can dream. I was excited to go to a show where one of my favorite Boston artists were promoting her new album. It was a great day and surely to be a great night! Note: At the spa I noticed some spotting and slight cramps but I was so relaxed, it didn’t phase me.
When I got home and proceeded to finish some work before this awesome show. I later found out that I didn’t get the job I hoped I ‘d get while I declined another offer. Slight regret. And as I prepared to drive to the show my car wouldn’t start, I called AAA for a jump only to find out I need a whole new battery. I am pissed. I decided I need to still get out the house and be around great music and amazing creatives and like minds in my city so I was going to take the hour long public transportation trip to get there. I couldn’t find my debit card. I freak out. I decided to stay in and mope around. I ended up contacting not only my ex-husband, but the 2 other short term (toxic) relationships I obtained since my separation (if you can relate with this, check out week 1 of your cycle on myhormonlogy.com or the Hormone Horoscope app). I spoke to one, who interpreted my communication as an opportunity to hook up, (eww) what was I doing. Later on I cried, had a huge attitude and felt extremely overwhelmed and not myself. I felt I couldn’t deal, which is not me, but it must be me, since it’s me that experiencing this right now. WHAT IS GOING ON!?
I am no stranger to depression, anxiety, being overwhelmed and/or overly irritated, in fact I don’t think any human is stranger to those feelings. But there are times when those feeling come out of NOWHERE! Especially after a good start to the day! Next thing I know I’m crying on the phone to the best friend, screaming insecurities and disappointments. Where is this coming from? I woke up to sipping tea in cat cow, and telling myself how comforting it is to feel like I am exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. Then she asks the question, “are you on your period”.
Now before I go on, I have to put this disclaimer out there. When people ESPECIALLY MEN say this women, as a response to us being bothered by your actions, and trying to express ourselves the way we want, this is not okay, if this statement is used an Insult, or in a mocking tone to demean, and disregard a women’s feeling, then we, excuse me YOU have a problem.
Okay so back to it, when my bestie asked me that, a light bulb goes off, and I grudgingly, yet slightly relieved answer “I think so” in my (what I think is cute) whiney voice.
What I period depression:
Those 3 letters that hold so much power P.M.S (Premenstrual Syndrome) or a.k.a PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which is a more severe form of PMS.
PMDD is said to occur a week or two before your menstrual cycle and have a tendency to really impact your relationships and even your normal functioning! Normal behaviors of PMDD or PMS are depression, irritability and anxiety and mood swings. Geez, and I thought I was bleeding from my vagina and my body was telling me I can still sustain human life, no matter how long I had my IUD in.
Symptoms also include:
· Anger
· Fatigue
· Sleeping more or less (me I sleep waaaaay more)
· Eating more or less (me, I eat waaaaay more)
· Forgetfulness
· Sadness
https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-depression#why-it-happens
This is serious stuff and it said that at least 40% of women go seek treatment for PMDD and oftentimes are diagnosed with some other underlying emotional disorder, so yea be ready to get evaluated.
I’m a pretty self-reflecting and psycho-analytical person, I go way deep on how I feel about myself, and how to take responsibility for my circumstances. And when I get into this stage sometimes I feel nothing is right, I curse the universe and take it back, I say screw meditation, screw my organic kombucha, screw this ginger tea, I’m miserable I want wine and cigarettes. It’s easy to get stuck in old detrimental ways, they are things that you remember that created an illusion of comfort. I know I need to have a backup plan when I start to have these thoughts. Yes, I am an herbalist and human and shitty things still happen. But practice and consistency is key and ever evolving. Don’t guilt yourself, let this period (pun intended) allow you to show love to yourself even more.
https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/
Not we aren’t sure the exact cause of PMS but we know that there is a connection between a hormone imbalance.
I would guess that when you have these two pocket thingies on each side of your pelvis, that are responsible for making eggs, that then travel through a tube that leads to a human sustaining home that when introduced to sperm has the potential to create a part of a new generation every month, perhaps may effect some hormones and may have its emotional and physical toll.
And when your estrogen and progesterone levels change (or drop) your serotonin levels are effected. Your serotonin levels affect the regulation in your sleeping, eating and mood cycles.
But then after you’ve had your period, a few days later your hormones level rise again and you start to level out. Like your vagina bleeding is your fix.
Now I have a few ways to help you during these times.
This is a regular thing and there not really a medicine out there that fixes our PMS because it’s a natural way for our bodies to work and react.
So I say we must embrace and manage:
1. Track your cycle. Track your moods. Journal, or even record them in some on the period apps that are available these days. Like Spoton or Hormone Horoscope app
2. Got milk? Not necessarily milk, it is said you should stay away from milk during this time. But Calcium is said to help with PMS depression and other symptoms.
Yogurt, dark leafy greens, cheese to name a few things. I also like Nettle, I don’t feel like cooking too often when I am feeling this way, but I get certain cravings and an easy quick thing to make is scrambled eggs. My go to is scrambled eggs with sautéed garlic and Nettles. There you get a quick easy, meal and tons of calcium from the nettle and the anti-inflammatory benefits from the garlic.
Other sources of calcium
Vitamin B-6 is said to help as well that’s in foods like fish, chicken and fruits.
3. Lifestyle changes and self-care
· Exercise
Even if you just do a light stretch, touch your toes, anything! Any form of intentional movement promotes healthy circulation and allows your body to process and receive its natural way of healing and balancing much better. Exercise also gives your energy, improves your mood and is a healthy distraction. Check out some of period yoga links down below.
· Stress management
We all have different ways of managing our stress. I love meditation. Meditation allows me to be patient, to listen to my body, mind, and soul, and relaxes me through my menstrual cycle
· Nutrition
During your menstrual cycle you want to increase your intake in antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and amino acids that contain sulfur.
Amino Acids: Onions, garlic, eggs, beans.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.
Antioxidants: These are foods that vitamin C and E and selenium. These types of foods increase the “detoxification of estrogen”.
Stay away from fats, sugars and refined foods and red meat.
· Rest
Take naps, get a massage, sit and do nothing, however you interpret complete rest, set aside time to do so.
Period yoga:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iglbdN1tmF0
Adrienne is super sweet, funny, and encouraging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIX8auOH_M
Jessamine is absolutely amazing!
Self-care is doing things that make you feel good, so that ranges. Find out those activities that bring you joy and try to fit them in as much as you can. I love naps these days, and I love to set time aside to brain fart all my creative ideas without judgment or overthinking, just keeping my mind sharp, and validating my creativity and purposes. Make time for your things, even if they are small or last just a few moments.
4. Herbs for menstrual
5. For your nervous system:
· Melissa (Lemon balm)
· Chamomile
· Lavender
· Nettle
· Motherwort
· Horsetail
· Raspberry leaf
· Red Clover
· Oat Straw
For your Liver:
· Burdock Root
· Dandelion Root
· Ginger
· Licorice Root
· Dong Quai (Angelica)
· Wild Yam Root
Try these in combinations in teas or tinctures.
Share some of your methods! What are way you have found that help you during your PMS stage?
PMS: Embrace, and Manage.
You know those moments when you’re are a little more “emotional” than usual. BUT you don’t realize it right away because your too busy freaking the f*** out, crying, being overwhelmed, irritated, and everything seems to be going wrong at the same. No? Is it just my dramatic ass? Don’t lie.
Here’s a back story on what made me decide to write this blog.
I started my day going to a spa, I got my first professional wax, and a deep tissue massage, and I spent the rest of the morning naked in the steam room, followed by reading, while sipping tea and eating pumpkins seeds and dried cranberries (great combination by the way). After the spa, I went to Chanel and drank sparkling water, while trying on beautiful, expensive clothes, like I was going to buy a $4,900 pea coat. A girl can dream. I was excited to go to a show where one of my favorite Boston artists were promoting her new album. It was a great day and surely to be a great night! Note: At the spa I noticed some spotting and slight cramps but I was so relaxed, it didn’t phase me.
When I got home and proceeded to finish some work before this awesome show. I later found out that I didn’t get the job I hoped I ‘d get while I declined another offer. Slight regret. And as I prepared to drive to the show my car wouldn’t start, I called AAA for a jump only to find out I need a whole new battery. I am pissed. I decided I need to still get out the house and be around great music and amazing creatives and like minds in my city so I was going to take the hour long public transportation trip to get there. I couldn’t find my debit card. I freak out. I decided to stay in and mope around. I ended up contacting not only my ex-husband, but the 2 other short term (toxic) relationships I obtained since my separation (if you can relate with this, check out week 1 of your cycle on myhormonlogy.com or the Hormone Horoscope app). I spoke to one, who interpreted my communication as an opportunity to hook up, (eww) what was I doing. Later on I cried, had a huge attitude and felt extremely overwhelmed and not myself. I felt I couldn’t deal, which is not me, but it must be me, since it’s me that experiencing this right now. WHAT IS GOING ON!?
I am no stranger to depression, anxiety, being overwhelmed and/or overly irritated, in fact I don’t think any human is stranger to those feelings. But there are times when those feeling come out of NOWHERE! Especially after a good start to the day! Next thing I know I’m crying on the phone to the best friend, screaming insecurities and disappointments. Where is this coming from? I woke up to sipping tea in cat cow, and telling myself how comforting it is to feel like I am exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. Then she asks the question, “are you on your period”.
Now before I go on, I have to put this disclaimer out there. When people ESPECIALLY MEN say this women, as a response to us being bothered by your actions, and trying to express ourselves the way we want, this is not okay, if this statement is used an Insult, or in a mocking tone to demean, and disregard a women’s feeling, then we, excuse me YOU have a problem.
Okay so back to it, when my bestie asked me that, a light bulb goes off, and I grudgingly, yet slightly relieved answer “I think so” in my (what I think is cute) whiney voice.
What I period depression:
Those 3 letters that hold so much power P.M.S (Premenstrual Syndrome) or a.k.a PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which is a more severe form of PMS.
PMDD is said to occur a week or two before your menstrual cycle and have a tendency to really impact your relationships and even your normal functioning! Normal behaviors of PMDD or PMS are depression, irritability and anxiety and mood swings. Geez, and I thought I was bleeding from my vagina and my body was telling me I can still sustain human life, no matter how long I had my IUD in.
Symptoms also include:
· Anger
· Fatigue
· Sleeping more or less (me I sleep waaaaay more)
· Eating more or less (me, I eat waaaaay more)
· Forgetfulness
· Sadness
https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-depression#why-it-happens
This is serious stuff and it said that at least 40% of women go seek treatment for PMDD and oftentimes are diagnosed with some other underlying emotional disorder, so yea be ready to get evaluated.
I’m a pretty self-reflecting and psycho-analytical person, I go way deep on how I feel about myself, and how to take responsibility for my circumstances. And when I get into this stage sometimes I feel nothing is right, I curse the universe and take it back, I say screw meditation, screw my organic kombucha, screw this ginger tea, I’m miserable I want wine and cigarettes. It’s easy to get stuck in old detrimental ways, they are things that you remember that created an illusion of comfort. I know I need to have a backup plan when I start to have these thoughts. Yes, I am an herbalist and human and shitty things still happen. But practice and consistency is key and ever evolving. Don’t guilt yourself, let this period (pun intended) allow you to show love to yourself even more.
https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/
Not we aren’t sure the exact cause of PMS but we know that there is a connection between a hormone imbalance.
I would guess that when you have these two pocket thingies on each side of your pelvis, that are responsible for making eggs, that then travel through a tube that leads to a human sustaining home that when introduced to sperm has the potential to create a part of a new generation every month, perhaps may effect some hormones and may have its emotional and physical toll.
And when your estrogen and progesterone levels change (or drop) your serotonin levels are effected. Your serotonin levels affect the regulation in your sleeping, eating and mood cycles.
But then after you’ve had your period, a few days later your hormones level rise again and you start to level out. Like your vagina bleeding is your fix.
Now I have a few ways to help you during these times.
This is a regular thing and there not really a medicine out there that fixes our PMS because it’s a natural way for our bodies to work and react.
So I say we must embrace and manage:
1. Track your cycle. Track your moods. Journal, or even record them in some on the period apps that are available these days. Like Spoton or Hormone Horoscope app
2. Got milk? Not necessarily milk, it is said you should stay away from milk during this time. But Calcium is said to help with PMS depression and other symptoms.
Yogurt, dark leafy greens, cheese to name a few things. I also like Nettle, I don’t feel like cooking too often when I am feeling this way, but I get certain cravings and an easy quick thing to make is scrambled eggs. My go to is scrambled eggs with sautéed garlic and Nettles. There you get a quick easy, meal and tons of calcium from the nettle and the anti-inflammatory benefits from the garlic.
Other sources of calcium
Vitamin B-6 is said to help as well that’s in foods like fish, chicken and fruits.
3. Lifestyle changes and self-care
· Exercise
Even if you just do a light stretch, touch your toes, anything! Any form of intentional movement promotes healthy circulation and allows your body to process and receive its natural way of healing and balancing much better. Exercise also gives your energy, improves your mood and is a healthy distraction. Check out some of period yoga links down below.
· Stress management
We all have different ways of managing our stress. I love meditation. Meditation allows me to be patient, to listen to my body, mind, and soul, and relaxes me through my menstrual cycle
· Nutrition
During your menstrual cycle you want to increase your intake in antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and amino acids that contain sulfur.
Amino Acids: Onions, garlic, eggs, beans.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.
Antioxidants: These are foods that vitamin C and E and selenium. These types of foods increase the “detoxification of estrogen”.
Stay away from fats, sugars and refined foods and red meat.
· Rest
Take naps, get a massage, sit and do nothing, however you interpret complete rest, set aside time to do so.
Period yoga:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iglbdN1tmF0
Adrienne is super sweet, funny, and encouraging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIX8auOH_M
Jessamine is absolutely amazing!
Self-care is doing things that make you feel good, so that ranges. Find out those activities that bring you joy and try to fit them in as much as you can. I love naps these days, and I love to set time aside to brain fart all my creative ideas without judgment or overthinking, just keeping my mind sharp, and validating my creativity and purposes. Make time for your things, even if they are small or last just a few moments.
4. Herbs for menstrual
5. For your nervous system:
· Melissa (Lemon balm)
· Chamomile
· Lavender
· Nettle
· Motherwort
· Horsetail
· Raspberry leaf
· Red Clover
· Oat Straw
For your Liver:
· Burdock Root
· Dandelion Root
· Ginger
· Licorice Root
· Dong Quai (Angelica)
· Wild Yam Root
Try these in combinations in teas or tinctures.
Share some of your methods! What are way you have found that help you during your PMS stage?