Premenstrual syndrome

Do you experience symptoms before your period?  Do you experience bloating, fluid retention, swollen breasts, tiredness, back pain, abdominal pain, mood swings, tearfulness, headaches, feelings of anxiety?  Any of these symptoms, and maybe others as well, are classed as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
 
The actual cause of PMS is not exactly known but affects around 70% of women of reproductive age, but occurs during hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle (too much oestrogen and not enough progesterone), and is most common if the mother also experienced PMS. Symptoms can develop up to 2 weeks prior to the start of your period, lasting until a few days after your period has begun. Symptoms can have a big impact on day-to-day functioning during this time.
 
Research carried out in 2019 shows that reflexology could relieve PMS symptoms, and improved even more significantly by frequent and longer sessions of reflexology.  Reflexology is all about balancing out the systems and organs in the body, which includes the hormonal systems, allowing the body to work at its most efficient.  By working efficiently, symptoms are reduced. 
 
Reflexology also works on areas of the brain, and other organs in the body, that are responsible for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia and other emotional symptoms.  In complementary therapy, the mind and physical body are considered to be very closely interlinked.