This episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast is a continuation to a recent blog post: 7 Tips on How to Cope with PMS. Most women have some PMS symptoms, but there is certainly a spectrum of symptom severity. For one woman, it might just be mild bloating, but for another woman, her cramps are so bad that she has to miss work due to the pain.
Unfortunately, when you go see your primary care doctor, or even your Gynecologist, the only conventional treatment option is birth control and over the counter Midol. As we discuss in this episode, there a many things you can do to help reduce PMS symptoms.
If you break down the word, Premenstrual Syndrome, it refers to the collection of symptoms that tend to show up prior to menstruation. It is common for PMS symptoms to show up somewhere in the 7 to 10 days before your period. This is time frame usually between ovulation and menstruation.
As you might be aware, PMS symptoms can range from physical symptoms such as cramping and breast tenderness to emotional symptoms such as irritability and anxiety. Over the years, we have seen so many different types of PMS related symptoms. Some symptoms are obvious, but others can be less clear. If you seem to be having recurring symptoms every 2 to 3 weeks, it could easily be related to your cycle.
Below is a list of some of the more common PMS symptoms.
Symptoms of PMS:
Progesterone: Progesterone can be really helpful for PMS but not take non-bioidentical progesterone, progestins. Progestins are just not healthy. But bioidentical micronized progesterone is completely different from the synthetic and can make a huge difference in PMS symptoms. Do not listen to any doctor that tells you otherwise. Because that means they may not be staying up with the latest research (random google posts do not count). But how do you know that your PMS is from low progesterone? Take a progesterone test. Progesterone testing can involve blood, urine, saliva. And all are viable testing for your progesterone levels. Just make sure that you see a doc that knows the interpretation of these tests. Also, (your doc should know this) make sure to do to do your test on day 17 to day 25 (ideally day 21) of your menstrual cycle. Day 21 is when your progesterone should be the highest in your system.
Vitex: Maybe you cannot take progesterone. Maybe you’re not a good candidate for taking progesterone (your experienced doctor will know for sure). Taking vitex (chaste tree berry is the common name) is helpful for low progesterone. It raises LH Lutenizing Hormone, which in turn will raise progesterone.
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO): Women of all ages can take EPO, even as young as teenagers. It helps balance hormones without actually taking hormones. Not to mention EPO is awesome your hair.
Estrogen-Dominance: Estrogen Dominance can cause PMS. Low progesterone can cause Estrogen Dominance. Also high estrogen can obviously cause Estrogen Dominance. To help PMS, we want to reduce estrogen levels. More specifically estrogen metabolites. These are 2OH-estrone and 4OH-estrone. DIM can really help Estrogen Dominance. DIM is derived from indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol comes from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
Liver Function: Your liver detoxes EVERYTHING. But it can also reduce the estrogen metabolites helping Estrogen Dominance. If your liver is not working as well as it could, that can exacerbate if not create PMS symptoms. On a quick side note, if you have elevated liver enzymes, then you have a lowered functioning liver.
Help Your Liver Function Better:
Balance your blood sugar and insulin: High glycemic foods means really high insulin levels. Processed, refined carbohydrates and sugary foods will exacerbate PMS symptoms. That is because they put a burden on your liver and digestion.
Check your thyroid: If your thyroid level is low that can impact your hormones and cause PMS. Lower thyroid levels can directly influence the hormones by exacerbating Estrogen Dominance and reduce progesterone. To accurately test your thyroid make sure to test your TSH, Free T4, and Free T3. For a full explanation here is a link to our podcast.
Body fat, belly fat: Fat tissues, cells secrete hormones believe it or not. In particular, adipose cells (fat cells) secrete estrone (which is an estrogen), creating Estrogen-Dominant.
Reduce Stress: Stress raises cortisol. Cortisol contributes to weight gain, in particular, belly-fat. This excess weight gain can cause more Estrogen Dominance and reduces pregnenolone from your adrenals. Being stressed out can make you fat and have PMS. Also, intense cardiovascular exercise raises cortisol. To reduce cortisol, engage in more weight lifting and walking.
Sleep: Sleep helps PMS. Lack of sleep raises cortisol and insulin. It also inhibits progesterone. For a more in-depth guide to sleep, see our other blog: 11 Tips on How to Improve Sleep with Adrenal Fatigue
Keto Carb Cycling Program: We created a guide to called the Keto-Carb-Cycling-Program, and it’s a free download. Initially, we designed it to help with belly fat, but it also helps reduce PMS symptoms as well. The KCCP is intended to help reduce insulin and balance cortisol. This allows your body to lose weight and as a bonus, your PMS symptoms will also improve.
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Discover the common and unfamiliar symptoms that you might be experiencing. Get access to cases of real women with hormonal conditions.
In this episode, we discuss the best way to reduce triglycerides. Sasha, a podcast listener, asked us how to lower her triglycerides. We then go into depth about triglycerides, how to lower them, and why they could be high in the first place.
How to read a lipid panel
Supplements for lowering triglycerides
Lifestyle changes for lowering triglycerides
What do high triglycerides mean?
Building blocks for triglycerides
Improving metabolic health
Can menopause increase triglycerides?
High triglycerides and thyroid hormones
Sacha’s Question:”I know this isn’t a hormone question but was hoping you could give me some direction. I was wondering what is the best way to lower triglycerides? thank you for your help!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a podcast listener’s question. ‘Alesha’ is concerned that she should not take estrogen replacement therapy because she has fibroids. This is a common concern. The idea that estrogen can cause or propagate fibroids has left many menopausal women without support for their symptoms. Just because women have or have had a history of fibroids does not mean they are not a candidate for estrogentherapy. In fact, women with fibroid can take estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
In this episode, we go into depth about taking estrogen with fibroids. And we break Alesha’s question into:
What are fibroids?
Fibroids and estrogen replacement therapy
Can I take estrogen if I have fibroids?
What is adenomyosis?
Estrogen’s role in fibroids
Difference between perimenopause and menopause
How menopause can affect prediabetes
Alesha’s Question:
“Is there any hope for someone with adenomyosis take estrogen? If so, when is the right time? I know adenomyosis is stimulated by estrogen. I even had 1 dr offer a hysterectomy so I could take estrogen without any issues ??!! I have a history of heavy periods have had many trans vag ultrasounds and biopsy’s over the years Uterus was enlarged, lining was wnl. Had a hysterscopy to remove some cysts they found 4 hrs ago. Last ultrasound showed probable adenomyosis.i am almost 57and I am in late perimenopause. Cycles have been erratic just went 6 months without a cycle then had a normal cycle…for years of perimenopause I had symptoms of high estrogen. Most of the time for the last year I had symptoms of low estrogen. Poor sleep waking up 4-5x night, dry skin, vaginal dryness, night sweats, brain fog, difficulty concentrating which makes my job very difficult. I have also developed mild sleep apnea(sleep lab) and after my last physical I am on the edge of pre diabetes. ( am normal weight, I walk daily and lift weights, eat high protein diet with lots of veggies and healthy fats.) I am currently taking a progesterone troche( 1/4 lozenge 50mg 2x day) and vaginal estrogen. I was taking an oral progesterone 300 mg thought it would help with sleep but didn’t. The progesterone has helped with GI issues, puffiness, bloating, cramping and anxiety.”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we talk about POI (primary/premature ovarian insufficiency) and earlymenopause. Samantha sent in a question about whether she is in menopause or hasPOI at the age of 36.We break Samantha’s question into:- What is POI (Premature/Primary ovarian insufficiency)?- Taking estradiol during perimenopause- Difference between perimenopause and menopause- What is an FSH?- Insulin resistance and perimenopauseSamantha’s Question:I am 36 and have been slowly noticing perimenopause/low estrogen symptoms for thepast year and a half. I went to an online provider and started HRT and haveexperienced so much relief! From mental symptoms to night sweats to dryness(everywhere) I have started to feel so much better being on estradiol and progesteronefor 3 months. I have been working with a functional nutritionist on my diet, walking daily,etc.i had gestational diabetes for all 3 pregnancies and also got my tubes removed lastyear. After I came off the birth control all of my symptoms started! I recently saw mynormal OBGYN so I could get my HRT through insurance and he agreed- but made itclear this isn’t menopause, could be POI, but seemed skeptical. I got bloodwork doneand my FSH has risen in the past few months from a 3.7 to an 8. But it’s still considerednormal. All of my thyroid and other bloodwork also comes back normal. Is POI apossible diagnosis? I feel crazy!!If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Can you be in both in perimenopause and menopause? Can you be menopausal andperimenopausal at the same time? The difference between perimenopause andmenopause is not a line in the sand. It is not like crossing through the Peace Arch fromBlaine Washington to the country of Canada. And at times, there is nothing peacefulabout perimenopause or menopause.There is a gray area where you are just moving out of perimenopause and intomenopause, where you are not quite in perimenopause but are not completely inmenopause. We delve deeper into the place that is between perimenopause andmenopause:- What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?- Can you be both in perimenopause and menopause?- The difference between perimenopause and menopause- What it feels like to go from perimenopause to menopause- Can you take estrogen or biest when you are going from perimenopause tomenopause?- Is bleeding in menopause considered perimenopause?- Top symptoms of perimenopause- Top symptoms of menopause- Are you a candidate for estrogen replacement in perimenopause?If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about how to apply estriol to your face. ‘Connie’ is confused about whether she can use her Biest cream on her face. And she wanted to know the difference between estriol and Biest when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms.
We analyze Connie’s question into:
Applying estriol to the face
What is biest?
What is estriol?
What is the difference between estriol and biest?
Applying estriol vaginally
It is not a good idea to apply biest to vaginal tissues if you have a uterus
Connie’s Question:
“HI there, I loved your article on estriol for the face. I was prescribed an 80-20 bi-est cream for HRT. My question is, how is that different from a 0.3 estriol cream for the face like the kind My Alloy makes? Could I just use more of my Biest cream on my face? Would that be stronger than the My alloy 0.3 estriol cream? Lastly, the .3 estriol cream is not supposed to affect your overall hormone levels, but the Bi-est cream is supposed to affect your hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause. Why does one estriol work differently than the other? Thank you so much for any guidance you may be able to offer. It’s so hard figuring all of this out!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode we talk about where to apply hormone creams. Sadie, our listener wants to know if she needs to rotate the application sites of her hormone cream.
In this episode we discuss:
Where to apply biest cream
What to apply testosterone cream for females
Places you should not apply your testosterone cream
Best absorption sites for hormone creams
Sadie’s Question:”I have been using hormones for a little over a year. I swear by them!! I have not rotated sites at all. I use testosterone/DHEA cream behind both of my knees and E3/E2 on both of my inner thighs every morning. I take a progesterone capsule at bedtime. My doctor and everything I read says to rotate sites. I found an article by Dr. Collins and now I found your article about not having to rotate sites, so I am going to keep doing what I have been. I put the cream on both of the backs of my legs and thighs. My question is should I alternate one back of knee and then the other and the same with the inner thighs or does it matter?
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
