This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

icon Free shipping over $70
icon 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
icon Subscribe & Save
Happy Healthy You
  • Shop
    • BACK
    • Shop
    • Shop All
      • BACK TO Shop
      • All Products
        Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

        Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

        $49.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        2,704 Reviews
        Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

        Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

        $54.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        706 Reviews
        Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

        Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

        $29.99

        4.8
        Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
        795 Reviews
        Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

        Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

        $34.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        393 Reviews
    • Best Sellers
      • BACK TO Shop
      • Bestsellers
        Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

        Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

        $49.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        2,704 Reviews
        Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

        Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

        $54.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        706 Reviews
        Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

        Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

        $29.99

        4.8
        Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
        795 Reviews
        Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

        Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

        $34.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        393 Reviews
    • New Arrivals
      • BACK TO Shop
      • New Arrivals
        Anxiety Bundle

        Anxiety Bundle

        $219.99

        4.7
        Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
        5,477 Reviews
        Brain Food & Mushroom Supplements - Super Mushrooms and Greens

        Brain Food & Mushroom Supplements - Super Mushrooms and Greens

        $65.99

        4.8
        Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
        49 Reviews
        Detox Cleanse Bundle & Program

        Detox Cleanse Bundle & Program

        $142.99

        4.5
        Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
        2 Reviews
        Super Mushrooms & Greens and Drinking Bottle

        Super Mushrooms & Greens and Drinking Bottle

        $79.99

        5.0
        Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
        4 Reviews
    • By Product
      • BACK TO Shop
      • SUPPLEMENTS
      • Happy Hormones
      • Happy Hormones Vegan
      • Happy Digestion
      • Happy Calm
      • Happy Liver
      • MSP | Magnesium Sleep Pain
      • Happy Period
      • Happy Collagen
      • Happy Greens
      • Happy Turmeric
      • Happy Bladder
      • Happy Defence
      • Happy Weight
      • Super Mushrooms & Greens
      • SKINCARE
      • Cleanse
      • Exfoliate
      • Revive
      • Boost
      • PROGRAM & GUIDES
      • Happy Reset Program
      • Happy Weight Program
      • Detox Program
    • By condition
      • BACK TO Shop
      • By condition
      • Hormone Imbalance
      • Menopause
      • Perimenopause
      • Period
      • Arthritis | Joint Pain
      • Sleep
      • Weight
      • Detox | Thyroid | Brain Fog
      • Anxiety
      • Digestion
      • Skincare
      • Detox and Thrive
    • bundles
      • BACK TO Shop
      • bundles
      • Menopause Bundle
      • Perimenopause Bundle
      • Happy Period + MSP
      • Arthritis | Joint Pain
      • Happy Weight Program
      • Acne Cleanse Bundle
      • Detox Cleanse Bundle
      • Sleep Bundle
      • Detox and Thrive Bundle
      • Gut Health Bundle
      • Anxiety Bundle
    • Subscribe and save
  • About us
    • BACK
    • About Us
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • Connect with Us
    • Take Assessment
    • Find your Community
    • Book a Consultation
    • Subscribe & Save
    • Subscribe & Save
  • Health hub
    • BACK
    • Health hub
    • Health hub
      • BACK TO Health hub
      • Resources
      • Articles
      • Recipes
      • Podcast
      • Our Clinic
      • Take Assessment
      • Book a Consultation
      • Free 10 Min Check-in
      • Community Groups
      • Join our Community
    • Log in
    • Create account
  • TAKE ASSESSMENT
  • Shop
    • Shop All
      Best Sellers
      New Arrivals
      By Product
      By condition
      bundles
      Subscribe and save
      Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

      Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

      $49.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      2,704 Reviews
      Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

      Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

      $54.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      706 Reviews
      Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

      Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

      $29.99

      4.8
      Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
      795 Reviews
      Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

      Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

      $34.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      393 Reviews
      All Products
      Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

      Hormone Balance Supplement - Happy Hormones® Capsules

      $49.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      2,704 Reviews
      Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

      Magnesium Supplement for Sleep - MSP | Magnesium, Sleep, Pain

      $54.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      706 Reviews
      Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

      Anxiety & Sleep Supplements – Happy Calm

      $29.99

      4.8
      Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
      795 Reviews
      Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

      Liver Supplements – Happy Liver

      $34.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      393 Reviews
      All Bestsellers
      Anxiety Bundle

      Anxiety Bundle

      $219.99

      4.7
      Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
      5,477 Reviews
      Brain Food & Mushroom Supplements - Super Mushrooms and Greens

      Brain Food & Mushroom Supplements - Super Mushrooms and Greens

      $65.99

      4.8
      Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
      49 Reviews
      Detox Cleanse Bundle & Program

      Detox Cleanse Bundle & Program

      $142.99

      4.5
      Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
      2 Reviews
      Super Mushrooms & Greens and Drinking Bottle

      Super Mushrooms & Greens and Drinking Bottle

      $79.99

      5.0
      Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
      4 Reviews
      All New Arrivals
      SUPPLEMENTS
      Happy Hormones Happy Hormones Vegan Happy Digestion Happy Calm Happy Liver MSP | Magnesium Sleep Pain Happy Period Happy Collagen Happy Greens Happy Turmeric Happy Bladder Happy Defence Happy Weight Super Mushrooms & Greens
      SKINCARE
      Cleanse Exfoliate Revive Boost
      PROGRAM & GUIDES
      Happy Reset Program Happy Weight Program Detox Program
      By condition
      Hormone Imbalance Menopause Perimenopause Period Arthritis | Joint Pain Sleep Weight Detox | Thyroid | Brain Fog Anxiety Digestion Skincare Detox and Thrive
      bundles
      Menopause Bundle Perimenopause Bundle Happy Period + MSP Arthritis | Joint Pain Happy Weight Program Acne Cleanse Bundle Detox Cleanse Bundle Sleep Bundle Detox and Thrive Bundle Gut Health Bundle Anxiety Bundle
  • About us
    • About Us
      About Us
      Reviews FAQs
      Connect with Us
      Take Assessment Find your Community Book a Consultation
      Subscribe & Save
      Subscribe & Save
  • Health hub
    • Health hub
      Resources
      Articles Recipes Podcast
      Our Clinic
      Take Assessment Book a Consultation Free 10 Min Check-in
      Community Groups
      Join our Community
Happy Healthy You
TAKE ASSESSMENT
  • Search
  • Account
  • Cart 0
Happy Healthy You
Search Visit Shop page 0 Cart
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Home › Articles › Categorising your PMS

Categorising your PMS

November 5, 2020
Categorising your PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects millions of Australian women every year. Globally, this psycho-neuro-endocrine disorder affects 71-73% of Western women and 23-24% of those in non-Western cultures. 

The etiology of PMS is the consequence of complex and poorly understood connections between neurotransmitters, ovarian hormones and endogenous opioid peptides, as well as prostaglandins and the autonomic, circadian, peripheral and endocrine systems. Individual biological, genetic, psychological and sociocultural factors may also play a role in the severity of symptoms. Due to these complexities, PMS has now been categorised into 5 different subtypes:

        • PMS-A (Anxiety) 
        • PMS-C (Cravings) 
        • PMS-H (Hyperhydration) 
        • PMS-D (Depression) 
        • PMS-P (Pain)

    PMS-A (Anxiety) 

    Common symptoms:

          • Anxiety
          • Insomnia/dyssomnia
          • Irritability
          • Emotional lability
          • Palpitations
          • Stress-induced sweating

    Excess in oestrogen relative to progesterone is seen in this type of PMS. Oestrogen stimulates the brain by altering the ratio and levels of certain neurotransmitters (raises adrenalin, noradrenaline and serotonin and decreases levels of dopamine and phenylethylamine). This brain stimulation is where the symptoms of anxiety, nervous tension and mood swings are stemmed from. Excess oestrogen can block vitamin B6’s supportive actions on the body and cause blood sugar imbalances which also affect mood. Low progesterone can also leave you feeling anxious and irritated, bring about lower tolerance for stress, and cause sleep problems.

    Happy Period CTA

    PMS-C (Cravings)

    Common symptoms:

          • Sugar cravings
          • Increased appetite
          • Headache
          • Palpitations
          • Increased sweating
          • Moodiness

    PMS-C is driven by a hormonal imbalance with its exact mechanism not clearly understood. An increase in cellular capacity to bind insulin has been postulated and a deficiency of PGE1 is known to inhibit glucose-induced insulin production. The symptoms of this type of PMS are quite similar to hypoglycemia. Low serotonin levels have also been identified in these cases which can result in a craving for sweets because carbohydrates can temporarily increase serotonin levels (pleasure pathways).

    PMS-D (Depression)

    Common symptoms:

          • Depression
          • Despair and apathy
          • Crying
          • Feelings of hopelessness
          • Fatigue
          • Insomnia
          • Low libido
    This type of PMS appears to be due to an excess of progesterone relative to oestrogen and is exacerbated by magnesium and vitamin B6 deficiencies. Progesterone in the right amount has a soothing effect due to its ability to convert to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone which calms GABA receptors within the brain. But allopregnanolone is not always the saint we think it is. Instead of its intended calming effect, allopregnanolone has the capacity to produce intense anxiety and other mood symptoms via the GABA receptors in a very small percentage of women. Insufficient levels of oestrogen can also promote the breakdown of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is another contributing factor to the symptoms of PMS-D or the more serious PMDD.

    PMS-H (Hyperhydration)

    Common symptoms:

          • Oedema of hands and feet (can extend to the limbs)
          • Weight gain
          • Bloating
          • Breast tenderness and/or swelling
          • Nipple sensitivity

    PMS-H is where we see the most fluid retention brought about by stress, low magnesium and high oestrogen, disrupting the normal ACTH/Aldosterone axis. A vicious cycle can occur in which the high aldosterone level increases the renal output of magnesium, further raising the aldosterone level. The balance of oestrogen and progesterone can also influence our electrolyte and fluid balance via the kidneys’ sodium regulator known as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). 

    Oestrogen has the ability to stimulate RAAS by inducing angiotensinogen synthesis in the liver. This process is speculated to be the underlying cause of the menstrual symptoms of bloating and weight gain. Progesterone, on the other hand, exhibits anti-mineralocorticoid activity by competing with aldosterone at the receptor level. This may favourably impact menstrual-related bloating and weight gain. These effects are mediated by endogenous progesterone. 

    PMS-P (Pain)

    Common symptoms:

          • Menstrual stomach cramping
          • Aches and pains
          • Lowered pain threshold 

    PMS-P (also known as dysmenorrhoea) is categorised as pain experienced just before and during a menstrual bleed. It typically peaks at the beginning of the period, with symptoms diminishing 48 hours after. However, it is common for symptoms to stay longer. 

    Buy MSP

    Symptoms of this PMS type include cramps due to distorted prostaglandin and leukotriene levels and a rise in vasopressin levels. These imbalances increase uterine resting tone, active pressure, and frequency of contractions, causing dysrhythmic uterine activity.  Contractions diminish blood flow to the cells of the uterus and with a lack of oxygen, the cells increase ischemia and hypoxia of uterine tissues that trigger and heighten pain.

    Getting to the bottom of things

    Definitively categorising PMS can be difficult. There can be a mixture of a few types or even a possibility to present with all of the mentioned symptoms. Regardless, it is important to remember that any symptom is a little message your body is signalling to you that something isn’t quite right. PMS is common, but this doesn’t mean it has to be your ‘normal’ experience around menstruation time.

    We do have several solutions for you. 

    1. Check out our latest HAPPY HEALTHY YOU guidebook for diet and lifestyle changes that can address issues related to PMS.


    2. Consider taking Happy Hormones and Happy Greens as a starting point if you need additional support for PMS.

    3. If you feel like you need more 1.1 support then we have our online clinic with our amazing team of women's health practitioners who can guide you towards the ideal treatment plan.

     

     

    REFERENCES

    Vigod, S., Ross, L., & Steiner, M. (2009). Understanding and treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an update for the women's health practitioner. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics Of North America, 36(4), 907-xii.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19944308/

    Girman, A., Lee, R., & Kligler, B. (2003). An integrative medicine approach to premenstrual syndrome. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, (5). 56.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12748452/ 

    Yonkers, K. A., O'Brien, P. M., & Eriksson, E. (2008). Premenstrual syndrome. Lancet (London, England), 371(9619), 1200–1210. 
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118460/

    Kendler, K. S., Karkowski, L. M., Corey, L. A., & Neale, M. C. (1998). Longitudinal population-based twin study of retrospectively reported premenstrual symptoms and lifetime major depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, (9). 1234
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9734548/

    Jensen, D. V., Andersen, K. B., & Wagner, G. (1987). Prostaglandins in the menstrual cycle of women. A review. Danish medical bulletin, 34(3), 178–182.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3297513/ 

     

    Older post Newer post

    Share

    Happy Healthy You
    Recent articles
    • Thyroid Health: A Holistic Naturopathic Perspective April 29, 2025
    • Comprehensive Online Health Assessment March 20, 2025
    • Starving on a Full Stomach: WHY WE REALLY GAIN WEIGHT February 18, 2025
    • ADHD causes and natural treatments February 13, 2025
    • What is BLOCKING Happy Hormones from working for you? January 31, 2025
    • Reducing Anxiety Naturally by Reducing Cortisol Levels January 30, 2025

    READ RELATED ARTICLES

    How Does Collagen Help Menopause?

    How Does Collagen Help Menopause?

    During your menopausal transition, it probably feels like everything is changing. Menopause symptoms can induce the downregulation of collagen sparking...

    Charting to Conceive

    Charting to Conceive

      Perhaps you have been trying to conceive for quite some time, or you are just starting to think about...

    What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

    What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

      A woman will experience approximately 450 menstrual cycles in her lifetime–that means hours, days, weeks, and months of changing...

    How Does Collagen Help Menopause?

    How Does Collagen Help Menopause?

    During your menopausal transition, it probably feels like everything is changing. Menopause symptoms can induce the downregulation of collagen sparking...

    Charting to Conceive

    Charting to Conceive

      Perhaps you have been trying to conceive for quite some time, or you are just starting to think about...

    What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

    What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

      A woman will experience approximately 450 menstrual cycles in her lifetime–that means hours, days, weeks, and months of changing...

    Invalid password
    Enter

    happiness in your inbox

    Subscribe to our newsletter for tips, updates, and exclusive offers

    FREE SHIPPING - Icon Image FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $70
    60 DAY MONEY - Icon Image 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
    SECURE PAYMENT - Icon Image SECURE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
    COMMUNITY ACCESS - Icon Image COMMUNITY ACCESS JOIN HAPPY HEALTHY YOU®
    FREE SHIPPING - Icon Image FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $70
    60 DAY MONEY - Icon Image 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
    SECURE PAYMENT - Icon Image SECURE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
    COMMUNITY ACCESS - Icon Image COMMUNITY ACCESS JOIN HAPPY HEALTHY YOU®
    HAPPY HEALTHY YOU
    • Shop
    • Take Assessment
    • Resources
    • About Us
    • FAQ
    • Reviews
    • Subscription
    • Contact Us
    SHOP BY PRODUCT
    • Happy Hormones
    • Happy Digestion
    • Happy Calm
    • Happy Liver
    • MSP | Magnesium Sleep Pain
    • Happy Period
    • Happy Collagen
    • Happy Greens
    • Happy Tumeric
    • Happy Bladder
    • Happy Defence
    • Happy Weight
    • Super Mushrooms & Greens
    • Skincare
    CONNECT WITH US
    DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP
    for a faster, more personalised experience
    Download from the Apple App Store Get the app on Google Play

    REVIEWS

      Afterpay American Express Apple Pay Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa
    • © 2025, Happy Healthy You
    • Powered by Shopify
    Having issues managing your subscriptions?

    Click here

    • Privacy
    • Terms
    • Disclaimer
    • Refunds
    • Referral Terms
    • Shipping & Delivery
    •  
    •  
    One or more of the items in your cart is a recurring or deferred purchase. By continuing, I agree to the cancellation policy and authorize you to charge my payment method at the prices, frequency and dates listed on this page until my order is fulfilled or I cancel, if permitted.