Something that still gets under my skin is hearing a male colleague joke about PMS like it’s some dramatic inconvenience women just have to deal with. And truth be told—it’s not entirely their fault.
(Though let’s be honest, I get just as annoyed when women speak about PMS like it’s an inevitable curse we all have to suffer through.)
We’ve been conditioned since adolescence to believe that physical pain, unpredictable moods, cravings, and emotional rollercoasters are just part of the “PMS package”—a rite of passage we should silently endure every month.
But here’s the thing:
Just because PMS is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.
And it’s time we stop normalizing suffering.
We’ve been taught that PMS is just “part of being a woman”—that cramps, bloating, mood swings, and food cravings are a normal monthly inconvenience. But here’s the truth:
PMS is common, but it’s not normal
PMS is your body’s way of waving a red flag. It’s a sign that something deeper is out of balance—and it deserves attention, not another ibuprofen or chocolate binge.
Let’s decode what your PMS is trying to tell you.
1. Mood Swings, Rage, or Anxiety
These emotional rollercoasters often point to **estrogen dominance** or **low progesterone** in the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period).
**What helps:**
- – Magnesium-rich foods (like dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate)
- – Vitamin B6 (found in chickpeas, potatoes, bananas)
- – Supporting your nervous system with breathwork or adaptogens like ashwagandha
2. Cravings & Blood Sugar Swings
If you’re craving sugar or salty carbs before your period, you might be experiencing **blood sugar dysregulation**—a sign your insulin and cortisol levels are out of sync.
**What helps:**
- – Prioritize protein at every meal
- – Pair carbs with fats and fiber
- – Add cinnamon or apple cider vinegar to help stabilize glucose
Want to track your cravings and spot a pattern?
Inside my program Cycle Strong, I teach you how to use my Menstrual Cycle Tracker to log daily cravings, energy dips, mood changes, and more. Once you see your patterns clearly, you can take targeted action—instead of staying stuck in the same frustrating loop every month.
3. Fatigue, Brain Fog, or Low Motivation
Feeling like your brain is in a cloud? You could be experiencing **progesterone insufficiency**, low iron, or simply poor sleep hygiene during the luteal phase.
**What helps:**
-
- – Optimize sleep (bedtime by 10:30PM, blackout curtains, no screens before bed)
- – Support progesterone with vitamin C and zinc (look for zinc picolinate or zinc gluconate for better absorption)
- – Reduce caffeine, especially late in the day
4. Cramps, Bloating, or Breast Tenderness
These are signs of **inflammation** and potentially poor estrogen clearance (aka your liver and gut need support).
**What helps:**
-
- – Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and arugula
- – Bitter foods for liver support (rocket, dandelion, lemon water)
- – Castor oil packs or abdominal massage pre-period
So… What *Is* Normal?
- A little dip in energy the day before your bleed is normal.
- Feeling introverted or needing more rest? Totally natural.
- But mood swings, cravings, breast pain, and debilitating cramps? That’s your body asking for support.
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through PMS. Your cycle is a vital sign—and when something’s off, it’s your body’s way of asking you to listen.
Want to actually feel good all month long?
I teach women how to decode their PMS and rebalance their hormones inside **Cycle Strong**—my 4-week hormone reset program.
You’ll get the tools, education, and plans to:
- Eat and move for every phase of your cycle
- Reduce PMS symptoms naturally
- Feel empowered—not confused—by your hormones
You don’t need to accept PMS as your norm. Let’s change that together.
Learn more about Cycle Strong and start supporting your body before your next period.
