Is PMS normal? is a common question, especially because so many people experience it. PMS is actually not normal, but it is common so that’s why so many people write it off as normal. Pain is never felt without a trigger. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome which is defined as life-disrupting physiological and psychological changes in the luteal phase of the cycle, or the second half of your cycle. After the menstrual cycle begins, symptoms typically disappear. Here are 6 reasons that can lead to PMS, showing that PMS is not normal, but rather a symptom of a potential imbalance in the body.

When it comes to an irregular period, managing stress will take precedence over producing our sex hormones. Our body's stress response places negative effects on our hormones which leads to imbalances. In order to have a regular menstrual cycle, your hormones need to be balanced and released at the correct time each cycle. A missed period, heavy bleeding, excess cramps, and anovulation are all signs something is wrong with your hormones and it may be caused by stress. A lot of the symptoms associated with stress and your period is due to the impact of stress on ovulation, affecting progesterone production, and resulting in estrogen dominance.

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome which is defined as life-disrupting physiological and psychological changes in the luteal phase of the cycle (the second half of the cycle after ovulation). Symptoms include cramps, bloating, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and food cravings. After the menstrual cycle begins, symptoms typically disappear. It is important to uncover why you have PMS food cravings.

A menstrual cup is a silicone rubber cup that you insert in your vagina during menstruation as a natural alternative to tampons or pads. Let’s review the top benefits for swapping out your traditional period products for a menstrual cup.

Period nausea can be a symptom you experience before or on your period. The period nausea is triggered by the elevation in prostaglandins, which are inflammatory compounds that increase right before your period to help with shedding the uterine lining (your period). High prostaglandins can mean more period pain and can also contribute to period nausea. Imbalances in estrogen or progesterone can lead to prostaglandin imbalances because all the reproductive hormones are connected. Stress is also a predictor of prostaglandins because cortisol can be inflammatory as well.