Are You Living with the Wicked Witch of the West?

I debated writing this article because it can be such a touchy subject. Men claim that women blame everything on PMS.  Some young women deny that it exists, and some feminists would argue that women are entitled to express their emotions as freely as men do.  But, since it (PMS) is a reality in any household with a teenaged girl, I am going to risk it.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)- it is a dreaded curse for many young women. Most mothers have a hard time seeing their sweet, smiling daughter change into an out-of-control, crying teenager whose mood swings change as quickly as our weather forecast. Probably the biggest contributor leading to PMS in teenage girls is their diet, which primarily consists of highly refined carbohydrates.  They eat bagels and cream cheese for breakfast, pizza for lunch, pasta for dinner, and many other sugary snacks and beverages in between.

This type of diet leads to a hormonal imbalance, usually one of estrogen dominance. Along with this diet comes an imbalance of omega-3 fatty acids and nutritional deficiencies, especially in magnesium, zinc, copper, and B complex. Xenohormone exposure (manmade synthetic hormone) from dairy products and radiated foods, or even from makeup, nail polish, perfumes, or hair products can cause problems with hormones. On top of this, add the stress that teenagers are under and the added effect this puts on steroid hormone balance and I think we can see why our young teenage girls are wavering between Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Is there anything that can help?  You Bet!  First, I start by taking a complete history from my young patients, including a detailed dietary survey. I recommend that they eat lean protein sources, fresh green vegetables, fresh fruits, and plenty (at least 8 glasses) of water each day, and eliminate sugars and starches. I test their zinc levels with a  to determine which multivitamin they will need and if extra zinc is suggested by the outcome of the test. Zinc is needed for the production and proper function of progesterone, stabilizing mood, metabolizing sugars and activating insulin, balancing copper and preventing and clearing acne when vitamins B6 and A are also present in the diet. Depending on the severity of the PMS, other supplements may be added to support the liver’s ability to detox the body of excess estrogen and stress hormones and  to support the adrenal glands if they are under excess stress.

There are so many combinations to consider, and the right formula is dependent on each individuals nutritional status and needs. The bottom line is that teenage women do not have to feel miserable and out of control every month.  Nutritional supplementation, along with healthy diet and exercise, can and do make a huge difference!