As a woman, we have all felt in some or the other way. Premenstrual syndrome affects one out of every woman. Although, the symptoms or intensity can vary.
Let’s understand what it is all about or why your body reacts differently on those difficult days.
What is PMS or premenstrual syndrome?
PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is a condition that takes a toll on a woman’s health. The effects can be seen on the emotional, physical as well as behavioral patterns of the woman. It is generally observed a few days before the beginning of her menses.
Although the condition is quite normal and affects more than 90 percent of women. It can still hamper the daily aspects of life. Usually, the symptoms begin to precipitate around five to 11 days before menstruation. The actual reason behind it is still unknown. However, a lot of researchers believe that it is more connected to the hormonal change in sex hormones as well as serotonin levels.
How Does it Happen?
The menses are governed typically by two hormones in the female body, that is, estrogen and progesterone. A sudden spike in these hormones leads to irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.
Aside from this, ovarian steroids also play a major role in modulating the activities of your brain during the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, serotonin also affects your mood. The chemical is secreted by your brain that plays a major part in thoughts, emotions, and moods.
You are more prone to PMS than others if,
- You have a history of mood disorders or depression.
- You have a family history of PMS
- You went through a physical or emotional trauma
- You are a survivor of substance abuse
- You have endured domestic violence
- You observe frequent dysmenorrhea
- You are schizophrenic
- You have a seasonal affective disorder or generalized anxiety disorder
Symptoms of PMS
To know PMS better, you need to have an understanding of how your menstrual cycle works.
A woman’s menstrual cycle usually lasts for 28 days. For some, it can also be about 26 or 27 days. Ovulation, that is, the process of releasing eggs from ovaries occur on 14th day of the cycle. On the other hand, bleeding occurs on the 28th day of the cycle. Now, the time period between 14-28 days is when the PMS can occur.
Generally, it can begin by the end of 14th day and last for five to seven days before menstruation. The PMS symptoms during this time frame can range from mild to moderate depending on your health. The severe symptoms of hampering daily routine are limited to 32 per cent of women. Moreover, only three to eight per cent of women report PMDD (a severe form of PMS).
The symptoms include:
- Sudden food cravings
- Sore breasts
- Acne
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sadness
- Sudden emotional outburst
- Anxiety
- Depression
When Should You See a Doctor?
As we mentioned, the symptoms of PMS are usually mild and does not affect your daily functioning. However, if these symptoms begin to affect your life or if your symptoms do not subside on their own, better to consult a doctor.
You can diagnose the severity of your PMS by observing your symptoms. For instance, if you notice one symptom in the time frame that leads to impairment and is absent on the usual routine, you have found the one. You can also keep a menstrual diary and keep a track of your symptoms for better understanding.
Furthermore, your doctor will do the needful diagnosis. Certain conditions can cause more severe PMS than others. These include
- Thyroid disease
- Anaemia
- Endometriosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Rheumatologic disease or connective tissue disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Apart from this, any family history of depression or mood disorders can make you more vulnerable to PMS.
Your doctor will conduct various tests including thyroid, pregnancy test and pelvic examination to rule out gynaecological problems.
How Can You Make it Better?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PMS. However, you can still work on easing your symptoms. If you observe mild symptoms, you can ease it by
- Drinking plenty of water or fluids including juice eating well-nourished diet to improve your health and energy levels
- Reducing salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intake
- Taking vitamin D to reduce symptoms
- Taking a good sleep of eight hours every day
Aside from this, regular exercise can reduce your symptoms of bloating and make it a little easy for you. You can also try reading to improve your stress levels. If you experience moderate to severe symptoms, you can take certain pain medications including aspirin or ibuprofen.
What is PMDD?
A small percentage of women usually experience much severe form of PMS, that is, PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The symptoms include
- Thoughts of suicide
- Extreme anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings with extreme anger
- Lack of interest in daily routine
- Troubled thinking
- Crying
- Binge eating
- Bloating
A personal or family history of PMDD is usually responsible for severe symptoms. Also, stress, major depression, substance abuse or trauma can trigger the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About PMS
- How long does PMS last?
Ans- The symptoms of PMS are transient. Thus, it can last for five to seven days before the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
- How do you stop PMS symptoms naturally?
Ans- The symptoms of PMS cannot be cured. However, you can ease them by maintaining a healthy routine, exercise, drinking plenty of water and fluids or managing your stress levels.
- What is the best treatment for PMS?
Ans- If you experience severe PMS, the best treatment is the one suggested by the doctor. However, mild to moderate symptoms can be made better by improving your daily routine.
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