What is it?

Premenstrual symptoms, or PMS, are common - but not normal - symptoms experienced prior to the onset of your period. They can present for many different reasons and thus require an individualized approach to assessment and treatment.
These symptoms typically arrive in the second half of the menstrual cycle, anytime from ovulation until the start, or just after the start, of your period.

Symptoms may include:

• Mood swings

• Anxiety/depression

• Irritability

• Breast tenderness

• Abdominal cramping

• Low back pain

• Acne

• Headaches

• Changes to bowel movements

Approach to treatment

Comprehensive intake and relevant lab testing
We always start by gathering your complete health history, assessing not only the symptoms specific to your PMS, but also those which relate to the foundations of health, including your stress and energy levels, your sleep, and your digestive health. Relevant lab testing is always discussed. By obtaining lab results - specifically bloodwork - we get a clearer insight into the function of your body’s physiology. These insights are a great tool for guiding treatment. Naturopathic doctors are trained to look for lab results to be within optimal ranges, not just what may be considered conventionally “normal”. This is because you may be within all the “normal” lab parameters but still experience very real symptoms.

Lab tests commonly run to assess for PMS may include:

• Nutrient status

• Female hormone panel

• Inflammatory markers

• Thyroid panel

• Fasting insulin and glucose levels
  

Supporting the foundations of health
As with any health concern, supporting the foundations of health is essential, and always where treatment starts. This includes assessing and addressing stress levels, sleep quality, energy levels, inflammation, insulin regulation, digestive function and nutrient deficiencies.

Customized treatment plan
Once lab results have been interpreted, a customized treatment plan will be created just for YOU. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather one that is specific to your individual health concerns that addresses your body’s unique physiology. You will leave your appointment with a written treatment plan as well as any relevant handouts so that you feel equipped to begin your treatment when you get home.
Treatment for PMS often includes a combination of dietary recommendations and nutraceutical supplements, including vitamins, minerals and herbs.
We understand that starting on a new regime of supplements and implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can be overwhelming. If you need support along the way, know that we are here for you. Additional check-in appointments can be made to support you on your journey to optimal health.

Follow up testing and treatment adjustments
Typically we set up a follow up appointment 3 months and 6 month after starting your treatment plan so we can assess symptoms and retest necessary labs. It is our goal and our hope that after treatment has begun you will start to feel noticeable improvements. In some cases it’s not that simple and further assessment is required. Know that if you’re not seeing improvements, we can always reassess, do further testing and make adjustments to your plan along the way. The goal is to get you not only feeling better, but feeling like YOU again!

Maintenance - addressing any new concerns
While we are here for you at any time along your health journey, it is not our goal for you to require regular appointments. Once you’ve started to have success with your treatment plan you may only require annual, bi-annual or as-needed appointments. In these appointments we assess the original concerns you presented with as well as any new symptoms or concerns you are experiencing.