Almost 85% of women in the U.S. experience premenstrual syndrome during their childbearing years, and about 5% of these women are disabled by severe symptoms of PMS.

How can you successfully treat my PMS?

In order to function properly, the female sexual system (which includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and adjacent structures) needs a healthy nerve supply from a healthy, aligned spine. Spinal manipulation has been proven effective in reducing PMS symptoms, and because chiropractic care treats the entire nervous system, women who receive regular chiropractic care have a reduced incidence of uterine fibroids, experience fewer problems during menopause, and are less likely to need a hysterectomy later in life.

In additional to spinal manipulation, your chiropractor may also prescribe exercise and diet modifications to reduce PMS discomfort. It has been shown that women who participate in regular exercise report fewer PMS symptoms than those who do not, and further improvements can be achieved by eating smaller, more frequent meals and reducing sugar, salt, refined sugars and carbohydrates, caffeine, and dairy products.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Most women of menstruating age know very well what PMS is, and wish they didn’t. Symptoms include:

What causes PMS?

PMS is a hormonal imbalance that occurs approximately one week before and a few days following the onset of a menstrual period. Fluctuations of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is thought to play a crucial role in mood states, could also trigger PMS symptoms. Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings, and sleep problems. To be classified as PMS, symptoms must significantly interfere with work and social function.