“My Period Didn’t Used to Feel Like This”
Many women tell us:
“My PMS used to be manageable… now it feels heavier, longer, and more emotional.”
If PMS symptoms are worsening with age — stronger cramps, mood swings, bloating, fatigue, or anxiety — this is not something you have to “accept.”
At Klinik Q, we see PMS worsen not because the body is failing, but because hormonal resilience decreases over time, especially under chronic stress.
Understanding why this happens is the first step toward restoring balance.
PMS Isn’t Just About Your Period
PMS reflects how well your body handles hormonal shifts throughout the month.
Your cycle depends on:
- Balanced estrogen and progesterone
- Healthy ovulation
- Stable cortisol
- Efficient liver detoxification
- A healthy gut microbiome
When any of these systems are strained, PMS symptoms intensify.
Why PMS Gets Worse With Age
1. Progesterone Declines Earlier Than Estrogen
As women age, progesterone tends to decline before estrogen.
This creates estrogen dominance, leading to:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Heavy periods
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Headaches
Progesterone is calming and anti-inflammatory. When it drops, PMS worsens.
2. Chronic Stress Steals Progesterone
Stress increases cortisol production.
To make cortisol, your body uses progesterone — a process known as progesterone steal.
Over time:
- Progesterone drops
- PMS intensifies
- Anxiety increases
- Sleep worsens
Even women in their 30s can experience this effect.
3. Slower Estrogen Clearance
Your liver and gut help clear excess estrogen.
With age, stress, and gut imbalance:
- Estrogen clearance slows
- Estrogen recirculates
- Inflammation increases
This worsens PMS symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and mood changes.
4. Blood Sugar Instability Becomes More Pronounced
Fluctuating blood sugar increases:
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Hormone sensitivity
This makes PMS feel more intense and unpredictable.
5. Nutrient Depletion Accumulates Over Time
Key nutrients for hormone balance — such as magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3s — often decline with age and stress.
Low levels increase:
- Cramps
- Mood changes
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
Signs Your PMS Is Driven by Hormonal Imbalance
You may be dealing with more than “normal PMS” if you notice:
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days
- PMS worsening year after year
- Anxiety or low mood before your period
- Bloating and water retention
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep disturbances
- Cravings and energy crashes
These are not random — they are signals.
Why Birth Control Often Doesn’t Fix PMS Long-Term
Hormonal contraceptives can suppress symptoms temporarily, but they do not address:
- Stress physiology
- Progesterone depletion
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Gut or liver function
For many women, symptoms return or change once birth control is stopped.
How Functional Medicine Approaches PMS
At Klinik Q, we focus on restoring hormonal rhythm, not suppressing cycles.
We assess:
- Estrogen and progesterone balance
- Cortisol rhythm
- Thyroid function
- Blood sugar stability
- Gut health and estrogen clearance
- Nutrient status
This allows us to identify what’s driving PMS — and correct it at the root.
What Changes When the Root Cause Is Addressed
When underlying imbalances are corrected, women often notice:
- Lighter PMS symptoms
- Improved mood and emotional stability
- Less bloating and discomfort
- Better sleep
- More predictable cycles
- A renewed sense of control over their body
Supporting Hormone Balance Naturally
Foundational support includes:
- Stabilising blood sugar
- Managing stress proactively
- Supporting progesterone production
- Improving gut and liver function
- Replenishing key nutrients
- Prioritising sleep and recovery
These steps work best when personalised.
Worsening PMS Is a Message, Not a Life Sentence
PMS doesn’t get worse because you’re “getting older.”
It worsens because your body is asking for deeper hormonal support.
At Klinik Q, we help women restore balance, ease PMS symptoms, and reconnect with their body’s natural rhythm — without suppressing signals or masking symptoms.
Because feeling well throughout your cycle should be normal.
