Premenstrual Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is PMS ?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is defined as a combination of symptoms women get around 1 to 2 weeks before their period. These symptoms can be emotional, physical or behavioral and usually go away when the period starts.

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome ?

The list of symptoms is long, and different for all women. But, most women experience only some of these symptoms.

Physical symptoms:	Emotional and behavioral symptoms:
Bloated tummy Stomach cramps Tender breasts Hunger Headache Muscle and Joint pain Constipation or diarrhea Fatigue Weight gain related to fluid retention	Stress or anxiety Depressed mood Crying spells Mood swings Irritability or anger Appetite changes and food cravings Trouble falling asleep (insomnia) Social withdrawal 0 Poor concentration

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Who experiences PMS ?

At least three in four women reported to have experienced one or more symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in their lifetime.*
These symptoms are most common in women who:

Have had a child

Are in their late 20s to early 40s

Have family members with depression
Have a personal history of postpartum depression, depression or bipolar disorder

What causes PMS ?

While the exact causes of PMS are unknown, several factors may contribute to it. Some of these may be:

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
Chemical changes in the brain, including fluctuations in serotonin levels

PMS or Mood Swing ?

It is important to not confuse general stress and mood swings with Premenstrual Syndrome. If the symptoms are so strong that they interfere in your everyday life, creating trouble at work and home, it might be PMS. Another way to confirm the symptoms is if you have them 5 days before your periods for at least three months in a row.

How to deal with PMS ?

While PMS symptoms cannot be completely relieved, here are a few things you can do at your end to make it bearable:

Workout for 30 mins every day

Eat more fruits and vegetables
Get enough sleep

Avoid tobacco, caffeine and alcohol

Try to control your stress levels
Keep track of your mood swings in a journal

Is PMS real ?

Several studies and researchers have often debated the idea of Premenstrual Syndrome. Some researchers claim that reproductive hormones do cause some physical and emotional symptoms in women (cramps, sadness) but for the majority of women, these symptoms don’t threaten their ability to function socially or professionally. Others believe that Premenstrual Syndrome and its symptoms cannot be ruled out completely. In case you have tried different methods but still have severe PMS symptoms, you must get in touch with a gynecologist.

mspoint/Shutterstock.com
mspoint/Shutterstock.com

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