Pre-menstrual Binge Eating The Main Culprit Ruining Your Diet Constitutional Improvement Is Needed

Hello. This is Dalimchae Clinic. ## Pre-menstrual binge eating: The main culprit ruining your diet? Constitutional Improvement is needed to address the root cause. Are you diligently on a diet, only to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed by uncontrollable cravings and binge eating when that time of the month arrives, causing your efforts to crumble? Many people visit Dalimchae Clinic, complaining, "I'm on a diet, but my pre-menstrual binge eating won't stop." It's not uncommon for individuals to feel self-reproach when, before their period, they crave sweet, salty, and greasy foods uncontrollably, unlike usual, and can't put down their spoon no matter how full they feel. This isn't simply due to a lack of willpower or excessive greed. It could be a message sent by complex signals within our body. 💡 **(Key Answer)** The 3 most common causes of **pre-menstrual binge eating**: ① **Hormonal imbalance** (rapid changes in estrogen and progesterone) / ② **Low serotonin** (lack of happy hormones) / ③ **Stress and Autonomic Dysfunction** Dalimchae Clinic aims to restore the body's balance through **Constitutional Improvement**, strengthening pre-menstrual appetite control and inducing fundamental physical changes. ### Why do I feel uncontrollably hungry only before my period? The sudden surge in appetite and intense cravings for specific foods before menstruation is one of the common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experienced by many women. This is not merely a psychological issue but is deeply connected to various physiological changes occurring within our bodies. One of the main causes is **hormonal imbalance**. During the luteal phase, from ovulation until menstruation, estrogen levels decrease while progesterone levels relatively increase. These rapid hormonal changes affect neurotransmitters in the brain. In particular, as **serotonin levels**, which induce feelings of happiness, drop, our bodies crave carbohydrates or sugary foods to compensate. While these foods can temporarily raise serotonin levels and improve mood, a subsequent drop in blood sugar can lead to a vicious cycle of renewed appetite surges. Furthermore, **stress** is a significant factor that exacerbates pre-menstrual binge eating. Increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol can stimulate appetite and promote fat accumulation. Psychological stress experienced during the pre-menstrual luteal phase is especially known to be a major cause of emotional eating. During this period, individuals may become more sensitive and tense than usual, which can disrupt the balance of the Autonomic Dysfunction, leading to sympathetic nervous system overactivity and affecting appetite control. ### I'm on a diet, but is pre-menstrual binge eating simply a matter of willpower? Pre-menstrual binge eating causes deep frustration for many women. Especially when on a diet, it can be even more difficult, feeling as though all efforts have gone to waste. However, this is a complex signal from the body that cannot be attributed solely to a lack of individual willpower. Premenstrual syndrome symptoms affect 40-50% of all women of childbearing age, and among them, 5-10% experience symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life. Food cravings are reported as one of the most common behavioral changes in PMS. In Korean medicine, pre-menstrual symptoms are not viewed solely as a problem of female hormones. It emphasizes the overall balance and harmony of the body, particularly focusing on the functions of the liver (肝), spleen (脾), and kidneys (腎), and the circulation of qi and blood. It explains that stagnation of liver qi due to stress (liver qi stagnation), weakening of the spleen (脾), which is responsible for digestive function, leading to the accumulation of dampness and phlegm (濕痰), or weakening of kidney function, which disrupts the body's yin-yang balance, can lead to pre-menstrual symptoms and binge eating. Therefore, **Incheon PMS Korean Medicine Clinic** aims for treatments that help the body regulate appetite on its own and maintain a healthy state by resolving fundamental bodily imbalances, rather than simply suppressing appetite. ### How does Korean medicine view and treat pre-menstrual binge eating? Dalimchae Clinic regards pre-menstrual binge eating as an abnormal signal from the body due to internal imbalance, applying the fundamental treatment principle of **Constitutional Improvement**. This aims to change the body's environment so that symptoms do not recur, rather than temporarily suppressing them. Personalized treatments are provided according to an individual's constitution and symptoms to improve hormonal imbalance, low serotonin, and Autonomic Dysfunction, which are the main causes of pre-menstrual binge eating. In particular, herbal medicine treatment focuses on promoting smooth circulation of qi and blood, relieving liver stagnation caused by stress, and strengthening digestive function to restore overall bodily functions. This goes beyond the approach of simply losing weight at an **Incheon Diet Korean Medicine Clinic**, promoting women's healthy menstrual cycles and improving their quality of life. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments can help facilitate the flow of qi and blood and balance the Autonomic Dysfunction, which may positively influence emotional regulation and appetite suppression. ### How is Dalimchae Clinic's Constitutional Improvement treatment conducted? Dalimchae Clinic provides precise diagnosis and customized treatment to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including pre-menstrual binge eating. We accurately identify the patient's constitution and current physical condition, focusing on resolving the root cause of the symptoms. According to a systematic review by Jang SH et al. published in *BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine* in 2014, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments for patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) showed significant effects in alleviating symptoms. This study analyzed a total of 19 papers published from 2002 to 2012, reporting that both acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments showed more than 50% improvement in symptoms compared to baseline, and no serious side effects were found. It specifically mentioned that herbal prescriptions such as Soyosan (逍遙散) were used in PMS treatment. Furthermore, a paper published in 2021 (cited by Joongboo Ilbo) revealed that patients who took Gami-Soyosan, Dangguijakyaksan, etc., according to Korean medicine differentiations such as liver qi stagnation (肝氣鬱結), experienced significant improvements in emotional and physical symptoms compared to placebo or Western medicine groups. In particular, it showed a low recurrence rate and positive effects on overall quality of life improvement. These research findings suggest that Korean medicine treatment can be an effective alternative for managing premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including pre-menstrual binge eating. Based on this data, Dalimchae Clinic conducts **Constitutional Improvement** treatment that aims to create a body where symptoms do not recur, rather than just suppressing them. It focuses not only on suppressing pre-menstrual appetite but also on improving overall body circulation and restoring hormonal balance to establish a healthy menstrual cycle. As a **Songdo Women's Health Korean Medicine Clinic**, we develop an integrated treatment plan that considers each patient's lifestyle, stress levels, and eating habits. ### If you have these symptoms of pre-menstrual binge eating, consult with Dalimchae Clinic! (Checklist) If you meet 3 or more of the following criteria, we recommend considering premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as a possible cause of pre-menstrual binge eating and seeking expert consultation at Dalimchae Clinic for comprehensive Korean medicine treatment. If you meet 5 or more criteria, it is advisable to visit immediately for a precise diagnosis. * Appetite increases sharply 1-2 weeks before menstruation, with strong cravings for sweet or salty foods. * It's difficult to feel full no matter how much you eat, and you experience intense regret or guilt after binge eating. * Despite being on a diet, you gain weight or ruin your diet due to binge eating only before your period. * Along with increased appetite, you feel increased irritability, anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings. * Physical symptoms such as breast pain, abdominal bloating, Headache, and body swelling are accompanied. * Chronic fatigue or lethargy worsens before menstruation. * You experience difficulty falling asleep or a decrease in sleep quality. * These symptoms miraculously disappear as soon as menstruation begins. ### FAQ **Q. How long does pre-menstrual binge eating last?** A. Pre-menstrual binge eating typically appears during the luteal phase after ovulation, about 1-2 weeks before the start of menstruation, and tends to disappear mostly when menstruation begins. The duration and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person. **Q. Can other premenstrual syndrome symptoms also be treated along with pre-menstrual binge eating?** A. Yes, Dalimchae Clinic's Constitutional Improvement treatment helps improve not only pre-menstrual binge eating but also accompanying premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain, Headache, abdominal bloating, mood swings, depression, and Insomnia. It aims to restore overall body balance to reduce discomfort associated with the menstrual cycle. **Q. I'm on a Korean medicine diet and worried about pre-menstrual binge eating.** A. Dalimchae Clinic's Korean medicine diet treatment focuses on finding a healthy balance in the body through Constitutional Improvement, beyond just weight loss. Managing pre-menstrual binge eating and other premenstrual syndrome symptoms with Korean medicine treatment can be of great help in maintaining a healthy and sustainable diet. **Q. Can pre-menstrual binge eating resolve naturally?** A. Pre-menstrual binge eating is deeply linked to hormonal changes, so it may be difficult to resolve completely with lifestyle improvements alone. However, consistent management can alleviate symptoms, and Constitutional Improvement can reduce recurrence. Pre-menstrual binge eating is not a problem that can be solved by enduring it. You no longer have to ignore the signals your body has been sending for a long time. When approached in the right way, the body responds surprisingly quickly. Bring the symptoms you are experiencing as they are. Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch will help you find the cause together. Where life blossoms. For herbal medicine, it's Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic. Check symptoms similar to yours first with Dalimchae Clinic's website AI consultation! This article is health information compiled by Dalimchae medical staff, based on frequently asked questions in the clinic. Medical Supervision | Min Ji-hong, Korean Medicine Doctor at Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch (Women's & Pregnancy Treatment Standards, Premenstrual Syndrome Column)