PMS

Do you develop breast soreness, bloating, acne, mood swings, extreme fatigue, or food cravings right before your period? At Hormonal Harmony, based in Mystic, Connecticut, compassionate nurse practitioner Kristen Stehle, ARPN, offers convenient telehealth services and effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to reduce negative symptoms. Schedule a virtual PMS evaluation with Kristen by phone or online today.

What are PMS and PMDD?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It’s characterized by signs and symptoms that appear before your period each month. Up to 75% of menstruating women develop some form of PMS, which can become debilitating in some cases. Such symptoms may appear 7-10 days before your period and last the first few days of each period.

Meet with Kristen if you’re tired of dealing with PMS symptoms and its symptoms.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe extension of PMS that can cause extreme mood swings, depression, anger, or hopelessness that damages relationships or disrupts your typical everyday life. Like PMS, PMDD also generally begins 7-10 days before your period. 

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Symptoms of PMS, and sometimes PMDD, include:

• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal bloating
• Weight gain from fluid retention 
• Difficulty falling asleep 
• Changes in appetite
• Sadness
• Anxiety 
• Mood swings
• Irritability, anger, or feeling overwhelmed
• Food cravings
• Crying spells
• Poor concentration
• Social withdrawal 
• Changes in sex drive
• Headaches, joint pain, or muscle pain
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea

PMS symptoms often disappear within four days after the start of your menstrual period.

The exact cause of PMS isn’t known, but numerous factors may contribute to its symptoms. Examples include cyclic hormone changes, chemical brain changes, or depression. 

How does my specialist diagnose PMS or PMDD?

To determine if you need treatment for PMS or PMDD, Kristen meets with you virtually. She discusses your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and desired results. You may need a blood test to evaluate your hormone levels or a psychological evaluation to assess your mental health.

How is PMS treated?

Hormonal Harmony provides the following PMS treatments:

Hormone therapy 

If your hormones aren’t balanced, Hormonal Harmony provides hormone replacement therapy to get your levels back on track so you feel better.

Medications

Taking medications can eliminate crippling PMS or PMDD symptoms. Kristen provides medication prescriptions when necessary.

Nutrition therapy

Eating smaller, more frequent meals and limiting salty foods helps reduce bloating and water retention before and during your period. It’s also helpful to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Kristen develops a customized nutrition therapy plan that diminishes PMS symptoms. 

Other healthy lifestyle habits

Hormonal Harmony provides customized fitness programs, stress reduction, dietary supplement recommendations, medical weight loss, and other healthy lifestyle suggestions to optimize the way you feel before and during your period. 

Schedule a telehealth PMS or PMDD evaluation at Hormonal Harmony by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.