PMS & FLO GUMMY VITAMINS | A REVIEW

Whether you're an adolescent or teen girl new to the period world...or a woman still struggling with your monthly hormonal fluctuations, this post is for you. I  got my first period when I was 10, but I didn't start really "struggling" with premenstrual syndrome UNTIL college. To make matters worse, whereas birth control has been known to "lessen" PMS symptoms, it seems to have somewhat of an opposite effect on me. Every month, I fall victim to cramps, extreme fatigue, and mood swings. You mean to tell me something has hit the market to give me relief from all three? Ya girl HAD to get it!....Only AFTER I called and consulted with my OB/GYN, of course. I discovered the "Flo Gummy Vitamins" online. I started seeing ads after I began using the "Flo Period Tracker" (which I love by the way. If you haven't discovered the flo app, you should download EE-mediately!). After looking more into the gummies, I read nothing but positive things and women stating how "life-changing" they are. So, here I am...giving you all the "Dialosophy" review. And this is a completely unsponsored and unaffiliated post. I'm just checking in to give my raw and honest opinion of this product, in hopes to help the women like me......that says *rolls eyes* "Fuck" every month their period is coming. Don't forget...I am not a healthcare professional. Please make sure you are doing your own research on Flo Gummies AND consulting with your healthcare provider or OB before purchasing. 

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So, before we get started, I'd be a horrible public health professional if I didn't give you the nitty, gritty, and ugly truth and education about premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS...

What is PMS?

So, PMS. Do you ever feel bloated...or cramping...or headaches...or like you're feeling tired...or downright depressed the week before your period? Any hands raised? Well, if so, these are all common symptoms of PMS. It's important to note that symptoms of PMS is different for each woman. You may be like me where there is a mix of physical and emotional symptoms...or you may only get emotional....or you may only feel physical manifestations. In a nutshell, it all depends. No matter the symptoms, the causes of PMS are still not well understood by medical researchers. BUT researchers are led to believe that the hormone changes in our glorified bodies as women, may play a role. 

Physical symptoms of PMS:
Swollen or tender breasts

Constipation/diarrhea
Bloating or a gassy feeling
Cramping
Headache/backache
Clumsiness
Lower tolerance for noise or light
Emotional/Mental Symptoms of PMS:
Irritability or hostile behavior
Feeling tired
Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
Appetite changes or food cravings
Trouble with concentration or memory
Tension or anxiety
Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells
Mood swings
Less interest in sex

If any of the above symptoms bother you severely or affect your life, please call your nurse or doctor immediately. If you are on birth control, please call your nurse or doctor BEFORE trying any products for PMS.

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My Review

So, before we get into the FULL review...let's tackle what's in these pink gummies. Flo PMS Vitamins. Flo lists four active ingredients:

• Chasteberry/Vitex aka "the woman's herb": used to help alleviate hormonal acne, mood swings, and breast tenderness
• Dong Quai aka "female ginseng": used to help alleviate cramps and bloating
• Vitamin B6: used to help alleviate mood swings and cravings
• Lemon Balm: used to help alleviate cramps, digestion, and stress

So, my PMS in Month 1...There was none. I mean...I don't know if I should attribute this to a "placebo effect" rather than the gummies being god-sent so soon...but I experienced nothing shortly after beginning the gummies. Usually, my PMS problems include significant bloating, cramping, and a shitty mood that'll force me in bed all day....or crying in the shower. But, in month 1? No bloat. No tears. I felt GREAT. And to make it even better, when my period arrived...I STILL felt great. I experienced no cramps, bloat, and minimal acne (and the acne I did experience was taken care of ASAP with the Tea Tree oil in my skin care routine ). Month 1.....I went with the FLO.

Month 2: My skin is glowing and thriving y'all. I actually wake up excited to see my skin and there are no more prominent, pesky pimples appearing on my face. I will say that in month 2...*wait for it* I did fall victim to a mood swing. However, I think it's worth noting....we're in a pandemic y'all and ready to get out the house. So, it may not be "all" my hormone fluctuations. I think, literally "EVERYTHING", is intensified because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hormone fluctuations. Weight fluctuation. Emotions Heightened. SEX DRIVE Heightened. (I mean...come on y'all. Am I right?) So, even though my mood plummeted one day during this month, it didn't take away from my overall impression of Flo. During month 2, my period was still...a good experience. I experience a little cramping, but it didn't take over my day.  

I will say....to be completely honest- I went into taking these because I've gained weight since using my hormonal birth control (IUD). I was hoping that these would level out my hormones, not so much for the PMS, but so I could actually start seeing some results from working out. I was hoping that the balancing act of my hormones would allow me NOT to keep the weight on me. And.....I will say- WITH me increasing/diversifying my workouts...I am satisfied with where my body, itself, is going. BUT, once again...is this because of Flo? OR because I've shaken up the intensity of my workouts and been more intentional about my healthy eating? Yeah, I can't say guys. But, I can say...I have done the aforementioned PRE-Flo...and could NOT seem to get the weight to budge. So, hey....maybe it is helping. 

Overall y'all, I am pleased with the Flo Vitamins. I have taken a few days between finishing a bottle and purchasing a new bottle and I did notice my mood changing SWIFTLY...So, for me....it's the mood swings y'all. Ya girl will go from being on Cloud 9 to being on the floor crying....REAL QUICK. So, I'd most definitely...HANDS DOWN say...if you're a PMS-er with mood swings....I'd highly recommend...you go with the Flo! Thanks for reading.