Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Q Can PMS go away completely, or do I have to manage it for life?

A. As long as the hormonal cycle exists, a "manageable level" is a more realistic goal than complete elimination. When treatment stabilizes symptoms to a level that no longer interferes with daily life, quality of life changes dramatically.

Q My menstrual cramps are also severe. Can PMS and menstrual cramps be treated together?

A. Yes, they can be treated together. PMS (luteal-phase stagnation) and menstrual cramps (blood stasis) often share the same root cause, so it is common to address both simultaneously with treatment that restores the circulation of qi and blood.

Q My anxiety and depression worsen before my period. Is this also PMS, or does it need separate treatment?

A. If it appears only during the luteal phase and disappears after menstruation, it falls within the scope of PMS. If it persists regardless of the menstrual cycle, it may be an independent anxiety or depressive disorder, and a psychiatric evaluation is also recommended.

Q I hear exercise helps with PMS. What kind of exercise should I do, and how much?

A. Aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) for at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week, is most effective. Exercise raises serotonin and endorphins, reducing mood swings and also helping improve swelling and fatigue.

Q How should I spend the two weeks before my period to make symptoms milder? I'd like easy, practical methods.

A. Reduce swelling with a low-salt diet, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol at least during the luteal phase. Regular sleep, light aerobic exercise, and magnesium supplementation are the three keys.

Q I've heard herbal medicine affects hormones. Won't it actually throw off my menstrual cycle?

A. PMS prescriptions in the Gamisoyo-san and Hyeolbuchugeo-tang families are not medications that directly alter hormones themselves. They work by regulating the circulation of qi and blood and Liver function so that the body responds less sensitively to hormonal changes.

Q Before my period I sometimes feel so awful that I have extreme thoughts. Is this also PMS?

A. This may be a warning symptom of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). If suicidal thoughts or serious difficulty regulating emotions are present, you must first consult with a psychiatrist.

Q My OB-GYN prescribed an SSRI. Can I take herbal medicine together with it?

A. For combining an SSRI with herbal medicine, you must first tell us the details of your prescription. Because some herbal ingredients may affect serotonin-related pathways, we adjust the herbal formula after checking the medication you are taking.

Q When will I feel the effects of treatment? How many months does it take?

A. Usually after 2-3 cycles (2-3 months) of treatment, the goal is for the intensity and duration of symptoms to noticeably decrease. Some people improve gradually from the very first cycle, but this varies by individual.

Q Even after improving with treatment, symptoms come back when I'm stressed. Is there a way to prevent recurrence?

A. If stress and overwork recur, Liver-qi stagnation can build up again and symptoms may return. By building baseline strength through treatment and maintaining a lifestyle rhythm suited to the luteal phase, you can greatly reduce the intensity and frequency of recurrence.

Q Why does PMS (premenstrual syndrome) happen?

A. It is a state in which both body and emotions are affected by the rapid hormonal shifts during the 1-2 weeks before menstruation (the luteal phase). The sharp changes in estrogen and progesterone disrupt the brain's serotonin balance, triggering symptoms such as irritability, low mood, swelling, and breast tenderness.

Q Every month before my period I become irritable and tearful for no reason. Is this a matter of willpower?

A. It is a physical response unrelated to willpower. The hormonal changes of the luteal phase lower the brain's serotonin levels, so your ability to regulate emotions genuinely declines. It is a physiological phenomenon experienced by 75% of women of reproductive age.

Q I crave sweet and salty foods before my period. Do they make symptoms worse if I eat them?

A. Yes, they worsen symptoms. Sugary foods increase blood sugar fluctuations and intensify mood swings, while salty foods increase swelling. Caffeine and alcohol also worsen irritability and sleep problems.

Q My PMS seems especially severe in months with a lot of overtime and stress. Is there a connection?

A. There is a direct connection. The stress hormone cortisol interferes with progesterone receptors and reduces serotonin, amplifying luteal-phase symptoms. Chronic stress is one of the biggest triggers that worsen PMS.

Q I'm looking for a Korean medicine clinic for PMS near Dongincheon, Incheon. How often do I need to come in?

A. Receive intensive acupuncture 1-2 times a week during the luteal phase (the 2 weeks before menstruation), and take herbal medicine consistently every day. Once menstruation begins, reduce the frequency of visits, then resume intensive treatment before the next luteal phase.

Q What should I prepare before my first appointment?

A. It helps most to bring notes on the dates and types of symptoms from your last 3 cycles. Also organize the medications you are taking (birth control pills, SSRIs, etc.), the regularity of your menstrual cycle, and your usual stress and sleep patterns.

Q In what order is PMS Korean medicine treatment conducted?

A. After diagnosis, intensive herbal medicine prescriptions tailored to the luteal phase and acupuncture treatment are carried out for 2 to 3 cycles. Once symptoms subside, the treatment transitions to a maintenance phase to continue management aimed at preventing recurrence.

Q Can herbal medicine actually improve PMS? Doesn't it just get better once my period comes?

A. Symptoms disappear temporarily once menstruation begins, but the same pattern repeats the following month. With consistent Korean medicine treatment that releases Liver-qi stagnation and nourishes the blood, the goal is to reduce both the intensity and duration of symptoms.