What is PMS?
The premenstrual syndrome actually refers to a variety of symptoms which are experienced before the menstrual cycle starts.
These symptoms can occur as early as 1 or 2 weeks before the period and usually disappear once the monthly bleedingstarts. PMS can happen at any age, although, it seems like the symptoms tend to be more intense for those in their early 20′s or late 30′s. According to a recent study, 3 in 4 women experience at least one symptom of PMS.
Why do we have PMS?
What causes PMS is still uncertain. An factor which has a lot to say in this is the changes in hormones . Besides this, another cause for PMS may be the low level of vitamins and minerals in the body as well as stress,depression and chemical changes in the brain. Furthermore, alcoholand caffeine also play an important role as they can alter your energy levels and, believe it or not, mood. You should also try cutting down on salty food too as this will make you retain more fluid in your body.
How to tell if you have PMS?
The most common symptoms of PMS include :
- Acne
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Sleeping problems
- Mood swings, crying spells, irritability, tension,etc
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Food cravings
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Concentration/Memory problems
PMS symptoms vary from women to women. Although the list of symptoms is long, women with PMS experience only a few of these.
For most women these symptoms are mild, meaning they don’t interfere with their schedule . On the other hand, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), is a very different story compared to the usual PMS. This is a severe form of PMS which has disabling symptoms like :
- Panic attacks
- Severe depression
- Lasting anger, anxiety, feelings of despair, irritability which affect your relationships
- Lack of implication towards daily activities or relationships
- Sleeping problems
- Intense physical pain ( migraines, cramps, joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, etc.)
- Bloating
- Brest tenderness
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Extreme mood swings
- Food cravings
Those diagnosed with PMDD have at least five of the above mentioned symptoms which appear as early as one week before the menstruation starts. PMDD symptoms, like PMS, generally go away once the period starts. Note that it is necessary to go see a doctor if you suspect you have this condition so as to get the appropriate treatment.
Lifestyle changes may help ease PMDD symptoms as some studies suggest. Moreover, an antidepressants called SSRIs ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have proven to be effective as PMDD treatment by changing serotonin levels in the brain. There are three such antidepressants approved for use in the US by the FDA : Sertraline, Fluoxetine and Paroxetine.
How can you treat PMS ?
Over the years many different treatments have been proved to ease, if not eliminate, the symptoms of PMS. Keep in mind though that every women is different so what might work for one, may not be as efficient for another. Some of the most common treatments for PMS are :
- Lifestyle changes :
A balanced diet is very important. You should eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Furthermore salty foods, caffeine and alcohol should be removed from the diet. Smoking should also be avoided and replaced by regular exercise.- Vitamins and minerals :
Because one of the causes for PMS is thought to be the low level of vitamins and minerals oral administration can be helpful. Talk to your doctor before you decide to take supplements.
- Medication :
There is quite an abundance when it comes to over-the-counter-medication to help ease the physical pain ( cramps, headaches, migraines, etc. )you may experience during PMS. Some of the most common are Ibuprofen (Midol, Advil, Motrin, etc ), Ketoprofen, Naproxen or Aspirin.
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