Experiencing Major PMS? You Might Need More Vitamin D, Research Finds

Considering clinical vitamin D insufficiency persists in almost half of the U.S., population (41 percent1, to be exact), there’s a pretty good chance you’re aren’t getting enough of the sunshine hormone. (You can take a blood test at the doctor or with an at-home kit to make sure.) But what are some telltale signs you need to prioritize your daily dose? 

Some background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)6 symptoms affect 95% of all women of reproductive age. Some women may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe physical and emotional symptoms equating to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Both of these conditions, Sims says on the mindbodygreen podcast, can be attributed to low vitamin D. 

“If you're suffering immensely from PMS or PMDD, get your vitamin D checked,” she suggests. 

Now, a volatile mood isn’t the only PMS symptom to consider (many also experience cramps, cravings, nausea, etc.), but “really bad mood changes” and a lack of vitamin D tend to go hand-in-hand, Sims says. 

If you do discover you need more vitamin D, the solution is simple: Take a potent, high-quality vitamin D supplement—and take it daily. It’s very tricky to get ample amounts of the nutrient from food and sunlight alone, so taking a supplement every single day is the route experts recommend to achieving and sustaining an ideal vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml or higher. Bonus points if yours also contains targeted ingredients to drive optimal vitamin D absorption.