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Oh that Awful PMS

You’re cranky, tired, achy and irritable. You feel bloated and you cry easily. You crave salt and chocolate and you say things you really don’t mean. The scale tips upward and your mood shifts are even making you feel like you’re crazy! Ah yes, it’s your favorite time of the month – PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is raging once again and your family has headed for the hills. What makes you feel this way?

What can you do to alleviate the symptoms of PMS?

No one really knows what causes PMS, but it is thought to be largely hormonal and may occur due to elevated estrogen levels, decreased progesterone levels, and the hormonal interaction with other brain chemicals. It generally occurs two to 14 days before the first day of your menstrual cycle, and symptoms tend to subside once menstruation begins.

Classic PMS symptoms fall into two categories:

  • Physical, such as bloating, weight gain, headache, backache, fatigue, breast tenderness or swelling, increased appetite/cravings

  • Emotional – such as irritability, depression, mood swings, panic attacks, bouts of crying, tension, hostility

There are many non-drug alternatives that reduce the severity of or even relieve PMS symptoms, including:

  • Dietary changes, including increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables, fish with omega-3 oils (tuna, salmon, shellfish), grains, soy products, lean proteins

  • Exercise, because it releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which are natural mood elevators that help reduce bloating and weight gain

  • Frequent hydrating, by drinking plenty of water you actually reduce swelling/bloating

  • Stress reduction techniques, such as prayer and mediation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time doing a favorite hobby or activity

  • Chiropractic care, shown to be effective in relieving many PMS symptoms in several studies when receiving two to three adjustments during the weeks leading up to the onset of the menstrual cycle.

If you’re plagued with the symptoms of PMS (or know someone who is), call our office and arrange to come in and speak with Dr. Mark Oberg. Hear our success stories in caring for patients with PMS.

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Dr. Oberg Asks some important questions of interest to Fort Collins residents - Chiropractor Fort Collins Dr. Oberg Asks...

Can chiropractic cure a child's ear infections?
Chiropractic isn't a cure for anything. Nor is it a treatment for ear infections. However, many children who suffer with ear infections also suffer from spinal problems in their neck, compromising nerves to the ear, depressing the immune system and preventing proper drainage. Can chiropractic help? Find out!
Are chiropractors just concerned with the spine?
Our interest in the spine is because it covers the major communications conduit between your brain and your body. As a Fort Collins chiropractor my job is to locate areas (usually along the spine) that interfere with proper nerve communications to and from your brain. Chiropractic adjustments help restore nervous system integrity. In this way, chiropractic care can affect the function of your entire body.