What to Do When You Have PMS Related Body Dysmorphia

Does your body image take a complete nose dive right before your period?

As if hormonal shifts causing fatigue and cramps and short fuses weren’t enough, you may also find yourself standing in front of the mirror struggling with what you see in the reflection more so before your period.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) related body dysmorphia is real for many, many women out there despite the fact that there’s not much research on it. There’s a spectrum on hormone sensitivity and women that fall higher on this spectrum are more sensitive to the hormonal shifts taking place throughout the month. If this is the case for you, you may have PMDD. If you struggle with body image already, PMDD may exacerbate the issue.

So what’s the deal? The thought is that the drops in progesterone (our chill hormone) and estrogen (our cheerleader hormone) right before our periods cause shifts in serotonin levels (a decrease). Low serotonin is associated with depression, rage, angst, and obsessive disorders - cue the PMS/PMDD emotional rollercoaster that exacerbates the body image issues women deal with on the regular.

Knowing is half the battle. Understanding what’s going on hormonally helps put a name on it so that you can identify the root cause. It’s not you.

If you’re experiencing poor body image before your period, do things that increase feel good hormones.

-> eat nutrient dense food - fruits veggies, high quality protein and omega 3 fats
-> HYDRATE to beat bloat
-> Get moving for endorphins
-> Try CBD
-> make sure you get adequate sleep
-> talk to an expert

If you struggle with nutrition + body image + hormonal balance, let’s chat. There are ways to cope. I help women feel less crazy around food, heal their their body image, and feel fine AF in their body.