PMS or premenstrual syndrome refers to the emotional and physical changes before a woman’s menstrual period starts.
Premenstrual symptoms can include anxiety, depression, irritability, breast tenderness, acne, low back pain, bloating, irregular digestion, nausea, headaches, sleep disturbances, acne and fatigue.
These symptoms may start a few days or even 10-14 days before the period.
PMDD – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe form of PMS, associated with extreme and sudden mood shifts which make it hard for the individual to work and disrupts their life.
Acupuncture is very effective in treating both PMS and PMDD symptoms, depending on the symptoms herbs may be recommended too.
The PMS symptoms are known to be aggravated with stress, which has an impact on hormones like increased cortisol levels and/or decrease serotonin and dopamine. Research studies show that acupuncture can effectively reduce cortisol levels, and help with PMS and PMDD.