Did you know that in some areas of the world they have no term for PMS and that the cramping and discomfort that can accompany one’s menstrual cycle are virtually unheard of? Additionally, in other areas of the world, symptoms of PMS are significantly different than those experienced in western societies. The article Is PMS Real? discusses cultural differences in how PMS is experienced. So if symptoms of PMS are experienced differently or even not at all in other areas of the world, is this syndrome something that women have to necessarily suffer from every month. The answer is decidedly no. This is not to say that “it is all in your head” or that the symptoms that you encounter are not real, just that you do not have to suffer from them.
When discussing menstrual cycles and symptoms with patients, I often hear “well you know, just the normal moodiness and cramping”. While it may be the average in western society it is not “normal”. After all, if you sprain your ankle, you have swelling, pain and possibly some physical limitations requiring immobilization. Your body is telling you, through pain signals, that something is wrong. You don’t just say “Oh, it’s normal”. Why then, when women experience pain or emotional symptoms around their menstrual cycle, do they choose to ignore the signals that the body is sending! I believe that much of what women suffer with on a monthly basis comes from stress, anxiety, depression and societal expectations that result in real, physical and emotional symptoms. What you experience on a day to day basis and on an emotional level can result in changes in hormones causing these symptoms. The good news is that you don’t have to continue to suffer with these symptoms. And just like if you continue to ignore pain signals from a sprained ankle, you can do further damage to your ankle, ignoring the signals that your body is sending you about your menstrual cycle, can result in problems in the future.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. This study Acupuncture & Herbs Relieve PMS Research shows how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine reduced PMS symptoms in several studies. Don’t buy in to the mantra of “oh, its just normal”. Call us today for a consultation and we can discuss your situation and let you know what we can do for you!
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!