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MEN, WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT PMS?
Author: Valerie Otto
MEN, WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT PMS?
DON’T PANIC!
PMS SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR MEN
By: Valerie Otto
PMS FACTOID: Although many women may crave foods with high saturated fat
content and high-levels of refined sugar, these types of food can aggravate PMS
symptoms.
SURVIVAL TIP #1: Pass on the nachos and designer ice cream while watching television. In order to maintain normal estrogen levels, it is important that food travels through the intestinal tract at a normal rate. If not, the result is the recycling of estrogen, thus, adding too much estrogen to the body, causing PMS. This is why a high fiber diet is often recommended – and not a bad idea for you either.
PMS FACTOID: Some women may become more (or less) sensitive to alcohol during
her monthly cycle.
SURVIVAL TIP #2: Keep plenty of alcohol-free beverages in the house. If you see she is more sensitive than usual, don’t push it! There is nothing wrong with exchanging the wine or cocktails for mineral water. If you switch, chances are that she will, too.
PMS FACTOID: PMS is a medical condition that is related to a woman’s physical and
psychological make-up.
SURVIVAL TIP #3: Keep an informal (and incognito) PMS diary of your girlfriend or wife’s symptoms. This is not to confront her but to educate you on PMS’ many symptoms (there are over 100!). Once you learn to recognize which ones your girlfriend or wife has and why, you are in a position to be more supportive and less critical. You will also know when not to plan trips!
PMS FACTOID: The exact cause of PMS is still unknown, but there is scientific
evidence that one reason women experience PMS is due to hormonal imbalances, not
increased levels of any one hormone.
SURVIVAL TIP #4: Learn about PMS by doing a little research on your own. Most theories on PMS revolve around the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, and women can be dominant in either, which can result in different symptoms. Why not learn a little and find out if you are right? Just avoid phrases like, “Honey, I think you may be estrogen dominant.”
PMS FACTOID: PMS symptoms may actually increase in severity as women become
older.
SURVIVAL TIP #5: Be more sensitive to your mate’s needs as you move through life together. Women go through a major hormonal shift around the age of 35 – way before menopause hits most women. Pay attention. Ask questions. You may wind up with some insightful information, especially if you believe that any mood changes are related to you. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, try a different angle. You guys know all about angles.
PMS FACTOID: There are no tests to diagnose PMS, but doctors can administer tests to rule out other possible conditions.
SURVIVAL TIP #6: Be understanding and supportive. The classic sign of PMS is that the symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation. If symptoms persist, chances are it is not PMS. Suggest a doctor’s visit to rule out anything more serious and offer to go with her to provide emotional support.
PMS FACTOID: Calcium helps alleviate PMS symptoms for some women and can be
taken in any form, such as over-the-counter supplements and low-fat dairy products.
SURVIVAL TIP #7: Shop around for multi-vitamins and calcium tablets. What a great way to say “I care about you” by leaving her vitamins and supplements for her to take. You just saved her 5 minutes, and she will reward you for it! Plus, most women do not get enough calcium, regardless of PMS.
PMS FACTOID: Stress can aggravate PMS so it is important for women to learn how to cope and relieve stress prior to their menstrual cycle to reduce PMS symptoms.
SURVIVAL TIP #8: Help take the edge off. The higher brain centers affect the hypothalamus, which plays an important role in regulating a woman’s hormones (another factoid -- this hormonal fluctuation is the reason many scientists believe that stress can keep a woman from getting pregnant). Many women’s biggest complaint is “I don’t have enough time” -- a simple offer to run to the store, clean the bathroom or take the kids to the park so she can have a quiet afternoon at home can really make a difference.
PMS FACTOID: The average women suffering from PMS may start experiencing symptoms 10 to 14 days prior to menses.
SURVIVAL TIP #9: Be prepared. This is another reason to start an incognito PMS calendar where you mark the beginning of her periods. You should start to see a pattern of PMS symptoms. Even if you think you know, why not see if you are correct? Since women switch ovulation sides from month-to-month, symptoms may alternate each month.
PMS FACTOID: Nutrition and exercise can greatly mitigate, if not completely alleviate, the symptoms of PMS. Unfortunately, for many women, the symptoms cannot be completely prevented, but with a healthy lifestyle, they can be managed. A great way to begin is with diet and exercise. As part of that healthy lifestyle, including reliable herbal remedies in a woman’s daily regiment, like OönaPMS1 and OönaPMS2, can make all the difference in the world.
SURVIVAL TIP #10: Discuss the changes you can make together to your diet and lifestyle – and on her cue, open up the conversation about her PMS. Make changes with simple steps, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced breakfast to start the day. Another quick and easy move is to go through the refrigerator and pantry together – get rid of the foods that are high in fat and have refined sugars, and restock with healthy alternatives. Make a pack not to buy anything “bad” unless it is a treat and enjoy it together. Once this is accomplished, you can move on to other parts of your life, such as healthier lunches, dinners and, of course, exercise! Don’t always have the time? Well, we all know that sex is a great mood enhancer and calorie burner!
Valerie Otto is the president and founder of Oöna Health, Inc., a women’s wellness company that specializes in the formulation and distribution of herbal supplements for women.
For more information, visit the Oöna Health web site at www.oonahealth.com
or call 1-888-596-5154.
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Valerie Otto is the president and founder of Oöna Health, Inc., a women’s wellness company that specializes in the formulation and distribution of herbal supplements for women. For more information, visit the Oöna Health web site at www.oonahealth.com or call 1-888-596-5154.
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