PMS In Your 40's
Q: “Lately I’ve been getting really foggy about two weeks before my period. I’m also experiencing mood swings. I’m 45, and this is a new one for me. What’s going on? My husband thinks I’m possessed! “HELP!”
Dear Friend:
Your lack of focus could be linked to decreased ovulation, which usually occurs about two weeks before menstruation. That is when the body produces more progesterone to help thicken the uterine lining. But as you near perimenopause, progesterone production starts to decline, which can lead to a relative excess of estrogen. There is a proven link between high estrogen levels and an inability to concentrate. To add fuel to the fire, increased cortisol (the stress hormone) depletes your progesterone by “stealing” it to make more cortisol. So... PMS gets worse.
Progesterone crème would be great for you. Be careful of doctors who would want to prescribe birth control pills for this. Synthetic progestins at your age are very dangerous and why use synthetics when the natural version is available over the counter?
NO!
YES!
MORE HELP:
Vitex, also known as Chasteberry is excellent for helping to rebalance hormones
Phosphatidyl Serine 100 mg daily will fortify the brain cells that are crucial for memory and focus.
I also like 5-HTP for anyone with PMS symptoms. It raises serotonin which is known to drop pre-period. That’s why we crave chocolate…it raises serotonin! So, you can eat chocolate or take 5-HTP.
Okay, ladies….No birth control pills in your 40’s for PMS symptoms. Natural progesterone for you!
Blessings, Barbara
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