PMS Has Taken Away My Energy

Learn how a polycystic patient feels lethargic during her cycle, and what she can do to bring back the pep.

Case #: 1204

Concern：

I have been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries since I was sixteen years old. My periods are extremely irregular. My body produces a very high level of testosterone and very low level of progesterone. I also often feel a low amount of energy. I believe it has something to do with my adrenal gland.

Discussion：

Though it might be the butt of many off hand jokes, premenstrual syndrome is nothing to laugh at. For some women, the effects are very minor, but others are not so lucky. In addition to acne flare ups, mood swings, and menstrual cramping, there are some women who's PMS symptoms are far worse.

Premenstrual Causes

Nobody has been able to really pin point where PMS stems from. Exactly why women are put through such hell every month is unknown. There are, however, several contributing factors that may cause the condition. For instance, the cycling changes in a woman's hormones. When our hormones fluctuate, PMS is at its peak.

Perhaps your body is simply trying to over compensate for the high level of testosterone that you're producing. And because of your low progesterone levels, your body is going into super shut down mode. This would explain your lack of energy.

You're Not Alone

There's definitely no shame in the premenstrual game. Studies have shown that every three out of four women on their periods will experience PMS in some form or another. Women in their late 20's to early 40's are most susceptible to these types of problems on a fairly routine basis.

Healthy Living

The good news is, there's light at the end of the PMS tunnel. You can easily counteract your general lethargy with natural herbs and foods that promote a healthy-energetic life style. Cutting out any produce, meat, or dairy that may include preservatives and synthetic hormones would be in your best interest. I would also recommend staying away from heavily salted foods during your cycle, as this will only add to your energy loss and make you feel bloated to the max.

Herbal formulas that include Passion Flower and Mexican Wild Yam hold great, PMS soothing benefits within them. (TRY: Herbal Solution for Menstrual Regulation) This will help to alleviate the stress caused by the dreaded syndrome, and will also put some pep back into your step.

Talk To The Doc

If possible, you might want to talk to your OBGYN about getting on a form of birth control that only contains progesterone. This might be just the thing you need to balance out that high testosterone level. Be mindful of this pill though. Birth control that only contains progesterone must be taken at the same time every day, or your efforts will surely come up fruitless.