Help! My PMS bloat is extreme…Ever since I entered perimenopause, I’ve been experiencing severe bloating in the two weeks leading up to my period, not to mention the acne and cramping. And now that it’s hot and humid, the bloating is even worse. Can changing what I eat help?
Yes, increase your intake of vitamin B6, which reduces estrogen levels and elevates progesterone levels to help curb the hormonal imbalances that are common during perimenopause. This alleviates bloating, mood swings and acne. B6 also promotes the synthesis of the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin to deliver noticeable improvements in mood and energy. I recommend supplementing with 25 to 50 mg of B6 daily, either on its own or in a B-complex vitamin. If your perimenopause symptoms persist, you may have a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid necessary for making hormone-regulating prostaglandins. Counteract your shortfalls with 500 mg of borage or black currant seed oil daily and you should experience relief in four weeks.
