Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common experience, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in their reproductive years. While mild monthly changes like temporary bloating or slight irritability are often expected, many women wonder where the line is drawn between what’s considered "normal" and what might signal an underlying health concern requiring professional attention. To offer clarity, Dr. Aoife Earls, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor in St. Catharines, has published a new educational blog post titled “PMS Symptoms: When It’s Time to See a Naturopath in St. Catharines.”
The article provides a detailed exploration of PMS, describing it as a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that typically occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, generally resolving once menstruation begins. The post explains that while the exact cause is not fully understood, PMS is strongly linked to natural hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes involving estrogen, progesterone, and neurotransmitters like serotonin. These shifts in the body’s chemistry may influence mood, energy, and physical comfort.
The blog post outlines two categories of experiences: those considered common and typically manageable, and those that may warrant a closer look.
Common PMS symptoms that, while uncomfortable, usually do not interfere significantly with daily life are described as including mild fluid retention, temporary breast tenderness, slight shifts in mood, food cravings, and mild fatigue. The article notes that these symptoms often improve with foundational lifestyle adjustments, such as balanced nutrition, consistent exercise, and stress management. A St. Catharines naturopathic practitioner may provide simple, individualized strategies to minimize these expected monthly fluctuations.
However, the educational resource stresses that when PMS symptoms become intense or persistent, they may begin to impact a woman's overall quality of life. The post identifies several signs that symptoms may need further attention from a healthcare professional, including: severe mood swings, persistent anxiety, or depression occurring before the period, intense cramping or bloating that disrupts daily activities or sleep, migraines or headaches that consistently manifest premenstrually, sleep disturbances or extreme, debilitating fatigue, breast pain or swelling beyond mild discomfort, digestive issues like severe diarrhea or constipation tied to the cycle.
The article also makes clear that in rare but severe cases, such intense symptoms may align with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a distinct condition where mood-related changes significantly interfere with work, relationships, and well-being.
A key focus of Dr. Earls’s post is the perspective that PMS does not occur in isolation. Instead, it may serve as a vital indicator of overall hormonal health. Symptoms that go beyond typical discomfort—such as heavy bleeding, extreme fatigue, or persistent anxiety—may suggest the presence of deeper physiological issues, including thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or chronic stress that is impacting the body’s systems.
According to the article, a St. Catharines naturopathic doctor is trained to view PMS as part of a bigger health picture. The approach often includes using integrative assessments and, when appropriate, hormone testing to explore whether underlying imbalances are contributing to the severity of symptoms. This comprehensive viewpoint ensures that the goal is not just to temporarily manage discomfort but to support long-term hormonal and systemic health.
The post highlights that if PMS symptoms are interfering with a woman’s life, naturopathic care offers a supportive, personalized avenue for exploration and strategy development. A St. Catharines naturopathic practitioner may utilize several approaches, tailored to the unique needs of each patient such as a comprehensive assessment, nutrition and lifestyle guidance, stress and cortisol management, and herbal and supplement support.
The article emphasizes that all recommendations are individualized, recognizing that each woman’s physiology and experience of her cycle is unique.
This new resource builds upon previous educational efforts by the St. Catharines naturopathic clinic, including the post on how midlife changes may affect nightly rest. Readers interested in learning more about this earlier topic are invited to view the Naturopath St. Catharines on Menopause and Sleep After 40 for a broader perspective on hormonal influences across a woman’s life stage.
The blog concludes that while PMS symptoms are common, they do not need to dictate how women feel every month. By partnering with a naturopath in St. Catharines, it may be possible for women to distinguish between what’s a typical fluctuation and what deserves deeper investigation. A St. Catharines naturopathic practitioner like Dr. Aoife Earls, ND may guide patients in building sustainable strategies that support well-being throughout their reproductive years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqKhBivid3c
Residents in St. Catharines seeking to understand their symptoms and explore personalized care are invited to reach out to (289) 815‑1668 or visit www.draoife.com for more information.
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For more information about Dr. Aoife Earls, ND, contact the company here:
Dr. Aoife Earls, ND
Dr. Aoife Earls, ND
(289) 815-1668
info@draoife.com
581 Ontario St,
St Catharines, ON L2N 4N8