PMS, Hormones, PCOS, and Endometriosis: Understanding the Connections

Many women experience a complex interplay of hormonal fluctuations that can significantly impact their lives. Conditions like PMS, PCOS, and endometriosis are often linked to these hormonal imbalances. Let's delve into how these conditions are connected and how you can manage them.

The Role of Hormones

Our menstrual cycle is a delicate dance of hormones, primarily oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate ovulation, the thickening of the uterine lining, and ultimately, menstruation. However, fluctuations in these hormones can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

• Oestrogen: Responsible for the growth of the uterine lining and development of secondary sex characteristics.
• Progesterone: Balances oestrogen's effects and prepares the body for pregnancy. When progesterone levels drop before menstruation, it can trigger PMS symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue.

Understanding PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition characterised by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the week or two before a period. While often considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle, severe PMS can significantly impact daily life.

PCOS: A Hormonal Imbalance

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women. It's characterised by irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) production, and small cysts on the ovaries. The root of PCOS lies in hormonal imbalance, with insulin resistance often playing a key role. This leads to increased insulin production, higher androgen levels, and disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

Women with PCOS often experience more severe and frequent PMS symptoms due to these underlying hormonal imbalances. The irregular periods associated with PCOS can also make it challenging to predict when PMS will strike.

Endometriosis: A Complex Condition

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. While not solely caused by hormones, oestrogen plays a significant role in its development and progression. This condition can cause painful periods, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Hormonal treatments for endometriosis often focus on managing oestrogen levels, as this hormone stimulates the growth of endometrial tissue.

Managing PMS, PCOS, and Endometriosis

While these conditions can be challenging, there are strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being:

• Healthy diet: Nourish your body with balanced meals.
• Regular exercise: Stay active and boost endorphins.
• Sufficient sleep: Prioritise rest for overall well-being.
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Supplements: We have a wide range of supplements that can help with PMS, PCOS and Endometriosis including; female multivitamins, evening primrose oil, myo-inositol, magnesium and much more. Check out some of our top picks below or view our full range of women's products here.

Cleanmarine Period Plan	PeriodPlan’s scientifically formulated blend supports your hormonal activity, mind, skin and energy so you can be your true self all month long.  PeriodPlan aids a proactive approach to managing your menstrual well-being. Packed with Omega 3, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, D3, plus Rosemary Extract and Soy Isoflavones.
Biocare Female Balance	Advanced botanical complex for women with red clover, sage, broccoli, and green tea Effective - high potency ingredients. Red clover is a natural source of isoflavones, sage provides phytoestrogens and polyphenols, and broccoli is a rich source of sulphoraphane and indole-3-carbinol Optimum support - optimally absorbed, high potency nutrients using the best and easiest nutrient forms for the body to absorb and use
Viridian Organic Herbal Female Complex	Organic Herbal Woman Complex is a combination of rich plant botanicals, specially formulated to naturally support women during times of hormonal changes throughout menstruation age and into the menopause.  The combination of well-researched roots, leaves, flowers and seeds in this complex are all grown to organic standards and gently dried in order to maintain the active compounds. This special formulation for women features organic shatavari root, organic agnus castus berries, organic avena sativa seed, organic sage leaf, organic holy basil leaf, organic fennel seed and organic artichoke leaf in a plant based capsule.
Biocare Evening Primrose Oil	Evening Primrose Oil is a high potency source of omega 6 (GLA) with vitamin E to help maintain hormone balance and healthy skin Effective - Provides polyunsaturated fatty acids needed for many important physiological processes including immunity, cholesterol metabolism, and the maintenance of heart and blood vessels Optimum support - Each high potency capsule contains 1000mg of pure evening primrose oil, along with 10mg of vitamin E
Lamberts   Myo-Inositol Powder	Myo-inositol plays an important role as the structural basis for a number of secondary messengers and in recent years has been studied extensively in relation to its role in insulin signalling. Supplementation has become popular and it is now widely recommended by practitioners, particularly for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Lamberts® powdered Myo-inositol is 100% natural and affords an easy and convenient way to supplement the diet with daily doses of 4g, which is the level used in the majority of studies.
Mag365 Bone Formula	Contains the awarding-winning MAG365 Ionic Magnesium Citrate Powder with the added goodness of vitamins D3, K2, C & B6, boron, zinc and potassium. Formulated to help promote:  Bone health  Heart health Immunity Hormone balance Stress relief  Electrolyte balance And more!

By understanding the connections between hormones, PMS, PCOS, and endometriosis, you can empower yourself to take steps toward managing symptoms and improving your quality of life. 

Remember: Every woman's experience is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to listen to your body and advocate for your health. 

Seek Professional Help: If PMS, PCOS, or endometriosis significantly impacts your life, consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice and treatment options.