Can massage therapy help with the symptoms of PMS and menopause?

Hi everyone!  The following is an article I wrote about a year ago for the newsletter the chiropractor's office I work at sends out.  I was pleased with it, so I thought I'd share it here, too.  Hope you like it!:

Can Massage Therapy Help With the Symptoms of PMS and Menopause?

You might be surprised to know that the answer is yes!  In fact, massage therapy has shown amazing benefits for many issues of hormone imbalance, including PMS and menopause, but also more advanced conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and even infertility.

Like many disorders, hormonal problems are often triggered by stress.  When we are under stress, our adrenal glands begin working overtime producing, for one thing, cortisol.  The hormone progesterone is used to make cortisol.  It is also used in the production of estrogen, testosterone, and to support pregnancy.  But when too much progesterone is used up in the production of cortisol, not enough is left to make the reproductive system function properly.  Furthermore, when a body is under stress and cortisol levels are high, functions of the body not associated with dealing with stress slow down or stop.  This includes reproductive cycles, such as ovulation and menstruation.   Studies have shown that massage therapy can significantly reduce the levels of cortisol in the body for up to two weeks.  Without excess cortisol, other functions are able to return to a more normal state.

Even if you believe your symptoms are “normal,” please understand that there is a difference between normal and common.  Your symptoms might be very common: cramps, breast tenderness, irritability, or mood swings, without more serious concerns.  But imagine how your life would improve if you were uncommon; if you did not have to suffer these common symptoms every month.

Specific techniques can be used to further improve hormone imbalances.  Deep massage to the pelvic region increases blood flow to the internal organs and helps reduce scar tissue, adhesions, and even fibroids and endometriosis.  Excellent circulation is so important, as it brings vital nutrients to the tissues, and helps remove excess metabolic waste products (“toxins”).  The accumulation of these toxins often leads to an increase in inflammation and pain, including cramping.  Please keep in mind that, as with all massage techniques, this work is always done to the client’s comfort level, and modesty is always respected.

Of course, there is much more to hormone balance than what goes on in the pelvis.  That is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and receive chiropractic care, along with massage therapy.  Specific supplements are also often necessary for optimal benefit.  As a final thought, in an interview in the Massage Therapy Journal, internationally known research pharmacologist and Professor Dr. Candace Pert spoke about the power of massage therapy saying, "I think we could replace 90% of mainstream medicine with a weekly massage."