Have you ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed and wanted to kill everyone? Of course you have. We’ve all been there. Unfortunately for women, some of us are in that place once a month. It’s called PMS, and it’s a beast!

First, before we break into a diatribe on the joys and angst of being women, let’s talk about PMS, scientifically.

What Is PMS?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It comes with a wide variety of symptoms from mood swings to tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. And, so you don’t feel alone, know that three of every four menstruating women have experienced some form of PMS.

So, why do women get PMS? Unfortunately, no one really knows the exact reason. However, there are two main thought processes:

• Hormones: Women go through a monthly cycle where our hormones change and fluctuate. These fluctuations can cause your body to react with PMS symptoms.
• Chemicals: Changes in hormones also cause changes in chemicals in your brain. Fluctuations of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood states, and can trigger PMS. Insufficient amounts of serotonin can cause depression, fatigue, food cravings, and sleep problems.

Truth About PMS

So, what’s the truth about PMS?

1. It doesn’t affect all women, every month. The truth is that only about 20% of women suffer from PMS badly enough that they seek medical help. However, around 72% of women suffer from it at least a few times a year.
2. Not everyone agrees about PMS. Unfortunately, science doesn’t really agree about PMS. There’s a lack of medical certainty about how it works and why women get it. Science hasn’t debunked or proven PMS yet.
3. PMS is NOT your period. PMS is not the same as getting your period. PMS happens in the days leading up to your menstrual cycle and is not the same as the cramps, crankiness, and bloating that comes with you actually bleeding.
4. It can get complicated. PMS is NOT one-size-fits-all. In fact, symptoms can cover a wide range and can be crippling for some women. There’s a phenomenon called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that causes massive effects in PMS and is related to depression.
5. PMS is not just about mood swings. Yes, PMS can cause hormonal fluctuations in your mood, but that’s not all it is. PMS is about a lot more than crankiness. It includes physical symptoms such as joint pains, tender breasts, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
6. It can be managed. A lot of science as been devoted to helping you handle your PMS symptoms. Vitamin B6 and saffron have been shown to reduce severe PMS symptoms, and even eating habits have been shown to help.

Dealing with PMS

So, what can you do to help deal with your PMS? If you have serious symptoms, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to help you find the right medications and regimens to manage your symptoms. If you’re looking to manage your symptoms at home, we recommend starting Her Tea.

Her Tea has been specially designed to nourish your digestive system, boost your immune system, and keep your hormones from fluctuating. It works with a woman’s body to follow the 28-day menstruation cycle and help you stop PMS symptoms in their tracks.

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