You can reduce or eliminate PMS symptoms by balancing your minerals through a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA). This non-invasive test examines the mineral content of a hair sample to give insights into your long-term mineral status and its effects on hormonal balance, energy levels, and overall health. Many functional medicine doctors, naturopaths and chiropractors utilize this test.
HTMA measures 29 minerals and 8 heavy metals in your body, offering crucial information about your mineral balance, which is important for your health. It can help identify imbalances that may contribute to PMS symptoms.
Common PMS symptoms include:
Food Cravings
Increased appetite for carbohydrates, sweets, and salty foods
Strong cravings for specific foods, such as chocolate or ice cream
Overeating or bingeing on comfort foods
Research suggests that changes in estrogen and progesterone levels may trigger cravings for carbohydrates and sugars, which can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue and low mood.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or sluggish
Lack of energy and motivation
Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
Fatigue is a common PMS symptom, and it’s often accompanied by changes in sleep patterns and mood.
Mood Swings
Irritability, anxiety, or moodiness
Depression, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness
Emotional sensitivity or reactivity
Mood swings are a hallmark symptom of PMS, and they can be intense and unpredictable.
Digestive Upset
Bloating and water retention
Constipation or diarrhea
Cramps or abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Digestive symptoms are common in PMS, and they may be triggered by hormonal fluctuations and changes in gut bacteria.
Here’s how balancing minerals can help alleviate PMS symptoms:
Mineral Ratios: HTMA assesses the ratios between essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Imbalances in these ratios can indicate adrenal dysfunction, thyroid issues, and hormonal fluctuations, all of which are common contributors to PMS symptoms.
Adrenal Function: The test evaluates adrenal gland function by analyzing sodium and potassium ratios. Adrenal fatigue or dysfunction can exacerbate PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and water retention.
Thyroid and Hormonal Balance: HTMA provides information on thyroid function and hormonal balance, which is critical for managing PMS symptoms. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone can contribute to symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
Toxic Metal Exposure: The test detects heavy metal toxicity, which can disrupt mineral balance and hormonal function, worsening PMS symptoms. Common toxic metals include mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminum.
Metabolic Type: HTMA identifies an individual’s metabolic type, which influences their response to nutrients, stress, and hormonal fluctuations.
Addressing mineral imbalances and adrenal dysfunction through hair tissue mineral analysis can provide you with targeted therapies to help alleviate PMS symptoms and improve your overall health.
Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner such as functional medicine doctor, naturopath or chiropractor to develop a tailored plan for your specific needs.
Working with a health coach can enhance your recovery by providing accountability, structure, and guidance to stay on track with the program recommended by your healthcare practitioner.
Sources:
Park, S.B., Choi, S.W. & Nam, A.Y. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Metabolic Syndrome. Biol Trace Elem Res 130, 218–228 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-009-8336-7
Watts, DL. Nutrient Interrelationships Minerals — Vitamins — Endocrines. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. Vol. 5, No. 1, 1990 https://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1990/pdf/1990-v05n01-p011.pdf
Watts, DL: Trace Elements and Neuropsychological Problems as Reflected in Tissue Mineral Analysis (TMA) Patterns. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 1990; Vol. 5, No. 3: 159-166. https://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1990/pdf/1990-v05n03-p159.pdf
HTMA, Thyroid and The Limitations of Blood Tests. https://mineralbalancing.org/integrative-mineral-balancing-blog/htma-thyroid-and-the-limitations-of-blood-tests
Meyers, Wendy, Limitless Energy: How to Detox Toxic Metals to End Exhaustion and Chronic Fatigue, Sevenfold Broadcasting, LLC, 2017.
Pfeiffer, C & Mailloux, R: Excess Copper as a Factor in Human Diseases. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 1987; 2, no. 3: 171-182. https://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1987/pdf/1987-v02n03-p171.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency. Toxic Trace Metals in Human and Mammalian Hair and Nails, EPA-600 4.79-049, August 1979, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research and Development.
For a complete list of books and studies on Hair mineral Analysis, see https://nutritionalbalancing.org/center/htma/science/articles/htma-references.php
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