Everything you need to know about PMS and hormonal imbalance

Unwelcome acne, crying for no reason, and a mood that's like a rollercoaster? It could be PMS or a hormonal imbalance. We'll help you understand the concepts and how you can best take care of yourself when your hormones are all over the place.

We're all in this together

If you're a woman reading this, you might be nodding along or rolling your eyes right now. Most women experience some form of mood swing, from their very first period as a teenager and for pretty much the rest of their lives. Some women feel it more than others. It's normal to feel period pain up to a week before your period, aches during it, and then you can relax for a few days before ovulation begins. It's a constant cycle that affects us all in different ways. The time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next is called the menstrual cycle. An average cycle is about 28 days, but this can vary. It's a good idea to track your cycle to be better prepared for those unexpected mood swings when you least expect them.

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance is exactly what it sounds like. It can occur for a variety of reasons, such as high stress levels, a poor diet, lack of sleep, digestive issues, medications that disrupt the balance, depression, or extremely strict diets. Contraceptives can also affect the body's hormonal balance. This imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms, including acne, more severe PMS, heavier bleeding, an unsettled stomach, and a reduced libido. However, always remember to consult a doctor if you are concerned. As a general rule, try to be kind to your body and listen to it. The body usually tells us what it needs, if only we listen. Some tips include eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, reviewing your lifestyle, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and avoiding excessive stress.
Our lifestyle affects everything, meaning our actions can either worsen or alleviate symptoms. Consider making small changes to achieve better balance. Even minor adjustments can lead to significant results.

What is PMS?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome and usually makes its presence known about a week before your period, give or take a few days. The symptoms of PMS can vary, of course, and the list is long. You might feel unusually hot or cold, tearful, irritated with everyone and everything, crave more carbohydrate-rich foods or chocolate, have tender breasts, or just want to sleep, pull down the blinds, and watch TV series. You might also experience anxiety, headaches, bloating, difficulty sleeping, or low energy. Some women can even feel their ovulation, which occurs about 14 days before their period. Approximately 75 percent of women in Sweden experience PMS symptoms.

What you can do

To alleviate or reduce your PMS symptoms, it's important to find a good overall balance in life. This includes stressing less, reviewing your diet and sleep, and trying to befriend your body every day of the month. Embrace it rather than fighting it. There are also food supplements specifically designed to support hormonal balance. Meno balance helps to reduce symptoms during menopause and PMS Balance provides support during PMS. Meno balance was developed in collaboration with midwives. It contains ingredients such as evening primrose oil, sage, red clover, flaxseed, wild yam, and vitamin B6. Take care of yourself!