By Dr. Erin Wiley Naturopath

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is extremely common, in fact it is estimated that 3 out of 4 women will experience some form of pain, cramping, fatigue, and mood changes associated with their period. While these symptoms are not necessarily pathological, they are by no means normal and certainly not part of our quest for optimal health.

PMS symptoms occur most frequently in the time between ovulation and menstruation, and are often most severe the day before and day one of your period. This is when your cycle is going through the biggest shifts in estrogen relative to progesterone. The severity of your symptoms is related to your body’s ability to adapt to these changes.

Metabolizing your hormones optimally helps your body adapt to regular monthly hormone shifts that are part of a normal cycle. This metabolism requires nutrients such as B Vitamins and trace minerals. IV therapy offers the unique ability to replenish the body’s micronutrients when the limitations of oral supplementation and diet cannot achieve a therapeutic dose. While understanding all of the influencing factors on your hormone balance and metabolism are important, as is lifestyle medicine and a thorough diagnosis, IV therapy can be a very supportive adjunctive therapy that decreases symptoms and increases your ability not only to cope but perform at your best each month.

The standard course of treatment for PMS is two IV sessions per week in the two weeks before your period for 3 cycles. However, the best recommendation will be determined by your Naturopathic Doctor. IV therapy refers to high doses of micronutrients such as B Vitamins and Magnesium that are administered directly into the blood stream using a standard IV administration set. Most treatments last 30 – 60 minutes and can be performed in the comfort of our IV suite. The Naturopathic Doctors at IHI who utilize IV therapies in their practice have completed additional training and rigorous examinations prior to receiving a license to practice IV therapy.  While IV therapy is not without risk, it is a safe therapy with minimal side effects.  The most common side effect is irritation at the injection site.  Some patients may experience low blood pressure or lightheadedness after the treatment, but these typically last only a few minutes.

Coping with the pain, fatigue, low mood, anger and frustration of PMS can be extremely challenging and take days or even weeks of productivity away from your life each month. Let’s get started by booking your initial intake with a Naturopathic Doctor. If you have administrative questions about this therapy or our fee schedule please call our front desk team at 416-260-6038. We want to end your PMS! We look forward to working with you.

Dr. Erin Wiley is a naturopathic doctor with a strong focus on preventative and integrative medicine. She is the Owner and Clinic Director of the Integrative Health Institute, an integrative medical clinic located in downtown Toronto. Erin has a strong clinical emphasis on stress related illness, anxiety, depression and hormone balance. As a naturopathic doctor, Erin is passionate about working with people to help them better understand their health and achieve their health goals.