Is Your PMS Actually a Hormonal Imbalance? How to Know

At Askdoctor.ai, we know how tough it can be when your PMS feels more than just the usual monthly discomfort. It can affect your mood, energy, and daily life. That’s why we created this content to help you figure out if what you’re feeling might be a hormonal imbalance—and what you can do about it. We want to make sure you have the info and support you need to feel better, every day of the month.

PMS – am I normal? | Inside Health | Bupa Health

Let’s be honest — most of us expect some mood swings, cravings, and cramps before our period. It’s just part of being a woman, right?

But what if your PMS feels worse than it used to? What if you’re crying for no reason, exhausted all the time, or can’t sleep, not just before your period but most of the month? That’s not just PMS. That could be your hormones out of balance.

And you’re not alone. Hormonal imbalances are very common, especially for women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The good news? There’s help — and it doesn’t always involve medication.

When PMS Feels Like More Than PMS

Most women get PMS. In fact, about 9 out of 10 say they experience symptoms like:

• Mood swings
• Cramping or bloating
• Food cravings
• Sore breasts
• Feeling extra tired

These symptoms usually start about a week before your period and go away when it begins.

But if your symptoms are lasting longer, getting more intense, or making it hard to live your life normally, it’s time to take a closer look. That might be your body telling you something’s off with your hormones.

Signs Your Hormones Might Be Out of Whack

Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body — they help control your periods, mood, energy, weight, and more. If even one hormone is too high or too low, it can throw everything out of balance.

Here are signs it could be more than PMS:

• Your PMS lasts more than a week
• Your periods are irregular, too heavy, or suddenly different
• You feel tired all the time, even after sleeping
• You’re gaining weight and can’t figure out why
• You’re feeling anxious, sad, or irritated almost every day
• You’ve noticed hair thinning or hair growing in new places (like the chin or chest)

If this sounds familiar, it might be time to ask your doctor to run a hormone check — simple blood tests can give you real answers.

What Can Cause Hormonal Imbalances?

There are a few common things that mess with our hormones:

• Stress – High stress messes with cortisol, which can throw off your whole cycle.
• Poor sleep – Your hormones need rest, too. Not sleeping well? They suffer.
• Diet – Too much sugar or processed food can spike insulin, which affects estrogen and progesterone.
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – A hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women.
• Thyroid issues – An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause period changes and fatigue.

Even small things — like skipping meals, over-exercising, or not drinking enough water — can affect your hormone balance.

What You Can Do to Feel Better

The good news? You don’t have to just suffer through it. There are ways to balance your hormones and ease those symptoms.

Medical Help

• Birth control pills can help regulate your hormones
• Antidepressants may be an option if your mood symptoms are strong
• Thyroid medication, if needed, can make a big difference
• Your doctor might also suggest blood work to check estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol levels

Natural Ways That Work for Many Women

Many women want to start with natural fixes, and they can help:

• Move more – Gentle workouts like walking, yoga, or dancing help your body balance itself
• Eat better – Focus on real foods: veggies, lean protein, healthy fats. Less sugar, less processed stuff
• Sleep at least 7–8 hours – Your body needs that time to reset
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol – Too much can make symptoms worse
• Try supplements – Magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3s have all been linked to better PMS control
• Track your symptoms – Use free apps like Flo or Clue to spot patterns and know what your body is doing

Josie’s Struggle with Hormonal Imbalance

Sometimes, PMS isn’t just PMS—and Josie knows this all too well.

In a powerful video shared on YouTube, Josie Burden opens up about her intense emotional and physical struggles before her period each month. For years, she thought it was normal to feel exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. But deep down, she knew something wasn’t right.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)—a severe form of PMS linked to hormonal imbalance.

Her story is raw, real, and something many women can relate to.

Watch Josie’s Story Here

Josie talks about how difficult it was to get a proper diagnosis, the toll it took on her relationships and mental health, and how finally getting answers helped her take back control.

This video is worth watching if you’ve ever felt like your PMS symptoms were “more than normal.” Her story might help you see the signs in yourself or support someone you care about.

Final Words: Take Charge of Your Hormonal Health

You deserve to feel good every day, not just during parts of the month. If your PMS feels more like a constant struggle or is getting worse, don’t brush it off. Hormonal imbalances are common, and simple changes in your daily habits can make a big difference.

Start by paying attention to your body: improve your sleep, eat nourishing foods, manage stress, and stay active. If symptoms continue or interfere with your life, reach out to a healthcare provider. Getting answers and support is the first step to feeling like yourself again.

Remember, you’re not alone — sharing your experience could help others who are going through the same thing. Feel free to share your story below and start the conversation.

References:
Women’s Health.gov
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Flo Health
Clue Period Tracker
Mayo Clinic
NCBI

FAQs About PMS and Hormonal Imbalance

1. How do I know if it’s just PMS or a hormonal imbalance?
   If your symptoms are intense, last more than a week, or affect your daily life, it might be more than PMS. A hormone test can help you find out.
2. Can a hormonal imbalance make my periods worse?
   Yes. Hormonal imbalances can lead to heavier, irregular, or more painful periods.
3. Do I need to take medicine to fix hormone issues?
   Not always. Many women see improvements with lifestyle changes like eating healthier, managing stress, and getting more sleep. But sometimes medication may be necessary — your doctor can help you decide.
4. Can stress mess up my hormones?
   Absolutely. High stress increases cortisol, which can throw off your entire hormone balance and worsen PMS symptoms.
5. What kind of doctor should I see for hormone issues?
   Start with your gynecologist or primary care doctor. They can run basic hormone tests and refer you to an endocrinologist if needed.