Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Know Your Symptoms

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is a term used to collectively describe a group of physical and emotional symptoms seen in women in the days leading up to the periods. These symptoms often occur after ovulation and subside with the arrival of periods. In some women, the symptoms can prolong even after the arrival of periods. During this phase, the hormonal fluctuations are at their peak, thus causing bodily changes as well as mood instabilities.

What Are the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome?

The combinations of the premenstrual syndrome might vary among different women and also between cycles in the same woman. Having somatic changes could be tiring, but it will vanish itself.

1. Physical Symptoms:

• Fatigue or tiredness.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Appetite changes.

• Severe headache or migraine.

• Backache.

• Bloating.

• Weight gain.

• Breast tenderness.

• Acne.

• Hip pain.

• Constipation or diarrhea.

• Joint pain.

2. Emotional Symptoms:

All the emotional symptoms are temporary and can go back to a normal stage after the completion of periods.

• Anxiety.

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• Mood swings.

• Irritability.

• Depression.

• Crying spells.

• Insomnia.

• Social withdrawal.

• Loss of interest in sex.

What Are the Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome?

It is known to be brought about by cyclic hormonal changes in the woman's body. The levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone fall rapidly if you do not get pregnant after the ovulation has occurred.

Premenstrual Syndrome affects some women more than others. A very severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is also experienced by some, but it is not as prevalent as PMS.

Another important reason for pre-menstrual syndrome could be a psychological dissatisfaction in emotions and sex during the time of ovulation.

How Is Premenstrual Syndrome Diagnosed?

There are no specific tests available to diagnose PMS. Tests are often performed to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as depression, edema, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, and irritable bowel syndrome. The disappearance of symptoms after the arrival of a period is considered as the telltale sign.

Premenstrual Syndrome vs. Early Pregnancy: Unfortunately, both premenstrual syndrome and early pregnancy can have very similar symptoms, and if a period is missing, it is not possible to say for sure which one it is, without taking a pregnancy test.

What would help is maintaining a menstrual diary to make a note of your symptoms or keeping track of their recurrence through a phone app. This habit would not only help your doctor make a diagnosis but also help you know your body better. The presence of these symptoms during the premenstrual phase for three continuous cycles conclusively points to a diagnosis of PMS.

How to Manage Premenstrual Syndrome at Home:

1. Exercise is known to boost the release of 'feel-good' hormones which can alleviate the emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

2. Yoga, massage, and meditation are known to lift the mood and aid in overcoming the blues.

3. Dietary modifications that help are restricting salt, sugar, and caffeine intake.

4. Research has shown that smoking and alcohol consumption significantly worsened PMS symptoms. Avoiding them protects you from feeling too ill.

5. Take good rest during the day and get proper sleep at night.

6. Get emotional support from friends and family. It is good to have a personal psychologist to give a therapy session.

7. Going out for a stroll, or doing something you like would help you de-stress and stop you from worrying about your current situation.

8. Take some 'me' time and spend it reading a favorite book, doing some gardening, or getting pampered in a spa.

Know a Woman's Body:

Women, though they shine in different fields, it is true that women can be emotionally weak and unstable sometimes. This is known to occur five to eleven days before your periods. On the 14 th day of ovulation, there are many surprising things happening. But as you near your periods, you should be more aware of your emotions and mental stability.

What Is Special About the 14th Day?

• A woman's utmost ability and mental health will be at a peak rate on this 14th day of ovulation.

• It is the day where a woman is known to have sexual urges and fantasies to the peak.

• It is the day where you have the highest possibilities of pregnancy.

• Many women who had satisfied orgasms during this day are known to experience a few premenstrual symptoms or no symptoms at all.

How Can You Help Your Loved Ones?

If you are a spouse of a woman experiencing premenstrual syndrome, you can do cute things to help them overcome the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

• Giving a good warm hug and emotional talk during their periods and on their special 14 th day.

• If they inform you of any abdominal cramps, make sure you give a good tantric oil massage.

• Buy them chocolate three days before their periods.

• Take them on a romantic dinner date.

• Have a continuous follow up on what day your lady is currently.

• Get help from apps and softwares to note the date of the periods.

An interesting fact is that, to symbolize the importance of the 14th day, valentine’s day is celebrated on the 14th day in the month of february.

What Is the Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome?

There is no specific cure for premenstrual syndrome. Taking Calcium and Magnesium supplements have helped a lot of women.

Many others benefit from symptomatic treatment that provides relief from the specific symptom encountered. Few of the drugs that are prescribed are:

1. Diuretics.

2. Painkillers.

3. Oral contraceptive pills.

4. Ovarian suppression hormones.

5. Antidepressants.

6. Anti-anxiety drugs.

7. In very severe cases, psychotherapy is seen to be of great support.

What Are the Effects of Premenstrual Syndrome on General Health?

Although PMS does not cause these issues, they are observed to aggravate the existing health conditions such as the following.

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Irritable bowel syndrome.

• Asthma.

• Allergy.

• Migraine.

Call the Doctor If:

• You feel your PMS symptoms are getting out of hand.

• You are not able to manage them with lifestyle changes.

• It hampers your daily routine or activities.

• It interferes with your personal or professional relationships.

It is about respecting your body and appreciating the differences nature has to offer. Celebrate yourselves.