Most women in this century will inevitably complain to have some forms of complaint before their periods. They will experience symptoms that are usually cylical about a week to just few days of having their menses.

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by organs that are sometimes far away from its place of actions. For example, ovaries produce estrogen and estrogen receptors are found in the breast and uterus. In addition to that, the progesterone is released by eggs that been released by the ovaries during ovulation and these hormones must work together to ensure that there is a delicate balance in the body. When the delicate balance of these hormones are affected, disease and symptoms arise.

A woman’s menstrual cycle works in a cyclical manner due to its needs to procreate and when ovulation is needed to release the matured eggs from its ovaries. Hence the main hormone that works during the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle is the estrogen.The later part of the hormonal cycle  meaning the latter 14 days of the menstrual cycle, the predominant hormone will be the progesterone. The adequate level of progesterone is responsible for the wellness of the women and especially so in the last 14 days of the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen ,especially the estradiol, gives the woman the “feminity”. The curvature shape of the women ,the breasts and hips,the uterine health and the “beautiful glow” in the women’s skin are contributed by the estradiol. Hence, we have to redefine real beauty as these are due to women hormones!

Progesterone is secreted to prepare for fertilization of the a fertilized and hence,play a role in pregnancy. It acts to balance the effect of estrogen that tends to make the body more “swollen” at the later part of the menstrual cycle. The progesterone hormones acts as a “ natural diuretics”.Hence, if there is adequate balance between  these 2 hormones, there should not be symptoms relating to fluid retention before the menses. Only natural hormones can have these effects on the body. Most of the synthetic hormones do not have a diuretic effect.

The estrogen has an action on the sympathetic nervous system and in imbalanced state, can give rise to nervousness, anxiety and irritability. Most of hormones are produced in pairs “ the ying and the yang”.Hence , to balance the effect of estrogen, progesterone helps to calm down the mood an d the nervous system through parasympathetic nervous system.

Hence, if the balance between the estrogen and progesterone is affected, the results will be symptoms  that results from more estrogen and less progesterone. These symptoms are called “The PreMenstrual Symptoms “ or known as PMS.

What are symptoms of PMS?

Bloating tummy

Acne / pimples  before menses

Mood irritability &/ anxiety

Sensitive emotions

Migraine

Food cravings ,especially to sweets, sugar and / salts

Breast pain and / swelling

Nipple sensitivity

Easily angered

Depression and withdrawal from society

Feeling of hopelessness

Fatigue and lack of energy

Altered sleep pattern

Change in bowel habits

These symptoms can  disrupt your work, relationships with others, or sense of well-being and the people around you, especially your loved ones must understand and give their emotional support druing these difficult times.

PMS symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman and cycle to cycle, and can range from mild to severe.

By balancing these 2 hormones especially the estrogen and progesterone level, these PMS symptoms can be easily overcome or reduce. Hence,hormone balance is vital for disease prevention.