How To Handle PMS & PMDD

As you know, we are always here to provide tips, tricks and solutions to mitigate the dreaded arrival of your monthly cycle. Pretty much, we’re here to help make peace with your period.

We’ve all heard of PMS and generally can relate to the feeling of irritability or the lingering desire for french fries, chocolate, etc, etc. However, PMS displays itself differently from human to human and for some, heightened behavioral and emotional effects may imply PMDD.  

Firstly, let’s revisit some of the key factors that influence the highs and lows of your menstrual cycle - PMS and PMDD. Two important (and different!) experiences.

PMS or premenstrual syndrome has a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. Nearly 75% of women experience varying symptoms of PMS.

While PMDD, or premenstrual dysmorphic disorder is a bit more serious than PMS, is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of the more widely experienced PMS. That said, with PMDD, one or more of the following emotional and behavioral symptoms will prevail: 

• Sadness, hopelessness, apathy 
• Anxiety or tension (physical tension, too)
• Extreme moodiness
• Marked irritability or anger

Both PMS and PMDD are experienced 7-10 days before the onset of your period and often continue the first few days of your cycle. 

The things we do know that can help support and reduce the effects of both PMS and PMDD are:

• Sweat! Get in some physical activity and keep your body moving.
• Diet - your gut is directly linked with your cycle so during this time be incredibly conscious of what you are eating, your caffeine intake and alcohol consumption 
• Mindfulness & Meditation - find time for your chi 

And of course, supplements can be helpful in managing PMS symptoms. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with HUM Nutrition and their incredible product, Moody Bird.

Why supplements? They are super easy to incorporate into your daily routine and have powerful and effective results. Moody Bird contains chaste berry, an active ingredient that helps support healthy hormonal balance and promotes women’s health during their monthly cycle period.

“The fruits of Vitex agnus castus (the chaste tree)  contain a mixture of iridoids and flavonoids, and some compounds similar in structure to the sex hormones have been isolated from the leaves and flowers. The mechanism of action may also be related to modulation of stress induced prolactin secretion via dopamine, without directly affecting luteinising hormone or follicle stimulating hormone as well as binding to opioid receptors, endorphins, and neuroactive flavonoids” (Atmaca et al. 2003; Schellenberg 2001).

Additionally, Dong quai or danggui is the dried root of Angelica sinensis, which has been used for restoring female hormonal balance in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

“It has been shown that a bioactive component of dong quai, Z-ligustilide, inhibits the contraction of isolated rat uterus in a dose-dependent manner and improves microcirculation, suggesting it might be responsible for the antispasmodic effects of dong quai. Ligustilide also has anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to the mechanisms of relief of menstrual symptoms.” (Dietz et al. 2016).

That’s a lot of science, we know. Moody Bird helps balance hormones, support a normalized mood, alleviates the symptoms of PMS AND (if there needed to be more!) promotes clear skin and controls breakouts. Yep, it’s a miracle. 

Wanna try Moody Bird as a PMDD natural treatment? Head to the HUM Nutrition site here and also, don’t forget to enter our Giveaway for tons of Honey Pot and HUM goodies.

We love you. Mean it.