Do you ever get your period and think, “Well, that explains a lot....”?
That's pretty much what PMS is - a group of physical and emotional symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, happens 1 to 2 weeks before the menstrual cycle and usually stops after the period starts.
For some women, it's no big deal. But for some others, it gets harder and messes with their daily life.
What does it look like?
Its presentation ranges from mild to severe. All women with PMS may not exhibit all of the following symptoms but they have at least one of these.
Physical signs
● Bloated tummy
● Cramps
● Tender breasts
● Hunger
● Headache
● Muscle aches
● Joint pain
● Swollen hands and feet
● Pimples
● Weight gain
● Constipation or diarrhea
Emotional signs
● Tense or anxious
● Depressed
● Crying
● Mood swings
● Can’t sleep
● Don’t want to be with people
● Feel overwhelmed or out of control
● Angry outbursts
Behavioral signs
● Forget things
● Loss of mental focus
● Tired
Why does it happen?
Even though 3 in every 4 women experience PMS at some point in their lifetime, its cause is yet not known exactly. It is linked with cyclical changes in hormonal levels every month that include estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin.
PMS may happen more often in women who:
● Have high levels of stress
● Have a family history of depression
● Have a personal history of either depression or postpartum depression
How do you confirm it?
There is no one particular test for diagnosing PMS. You need to keep a calendar and track down your symptoms in relation to your periods and their severity for a few months. You also
need to keep in mind that it may not always be PMS. There are some other conditions like thyroid disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. that mimic PMS.
So what can you do about it?
Go see your doctor if you feel that you can't handle it anymore. But here are a few tips that you can follow to ease your symptoms:
● Eat healthily
● Get enough sleep
● Exercise regularly
● Take supplements for mood swings (folic acid, B6, calcium, magnesium)
● Reduce stress by reading your favorite books, talking to friends and family
● Common medications to reduce pain (ibuprofen, naproxen).
What is PMDD(Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)?
It is the rare and severe form of PMS, severe to the extent to disrupt your daily activities immensely.
Its symptoms include
● suicidal thoughts
● sadness and despair
● panic attacks
● body aches
● mood swings and personality changes
● trouble focusing or brain fog
● extreme fatigue
● lack of interest in daily activity
● inability to hold up relationships romantically and socially
PMDD is treated along the same lines as the treatment of PMS but with added drugs like antidepressants. Lifestyle changes also make significant contributions. It is advised that you consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a physician's judgment.
REFERENCES :
4. Shaw’s textbook of gynecology
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