What is premenstrual syndrome?
Many women feel physical or mood changes during the days before menstruation. When these symptoms happen month after month, and they affect a woman's normal life, they are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Emotional signs and symptoms
• Depression.
• Angry outbursts.
• Irritability
• Crying spells. Crying spells are a type of magic where you cry for a long period of time.
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Social withdrawal
• Poor concentration.
• Insomnia
• Increased nap- taking
• Changes in sexual desire
Physical signs and symptoms
• Thirst and appetite changes
• Breast Tenderness
• Bloating and weight gain are two common side effects.
• Headache.
• Swelling of the hands and feet.
• Aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Abdominal pain
Who gets PMS?
PMS symptoms affect up to three out of every four women at some point in their lives. PMS symptoms are usually minor in most women. For most women, PMS symptoms are mild. Less than 5% of women of childbearing age get a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMS may strike more frequently in women who:
Does PMS change with age?
Yes. As you approach menopause in your late 30s or 40s, your PMS symptoms may become more severe. This is known as ‘peri menopause’. This is especially true for women whose moods are affected by the menstrual cycle's shifting hormone levels. Your hormone levels fluctuate erratically in the years leading up to menopause as your body gradually transitions to menopause. You may experience the same mood swings, or they may become more severe. When you reach menopause and no longer have a period, PMS comes to an end.
What causes PMS?
Nobody is certain what causes PMS. Because the symptoms appear in the middle of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation (when the egg is produced), it is considered that hormonal changes that occur during each menstrual cycle may cause a variety of symptoms.
These hormonal changes (the primary hormones are oestrogenand progesterone) impact women differently, and they can be influenced further by lifestyle, hereditary factors, nutritional condition, and the woman's emotional state at the time PMS symptoms begin. That is why some women experience just mild symptoms while others experience severe symptoms that last for days at a time.
More research is being done to figure out what causes PMS. Many of the symptoms are comparable to those that women experience during pregnancy, as well as in the years leading up to and after menopause.
How does PMS affect other health problems?
About half of women who need PMS medication also have another health issue that may worsen in the days leading up to their menstrual cycle. These health problems share many of the same symptoms as PMS, including:
Depression and anxiety disorders:
The most prevalent symptoms that overlap with PMS are depression and anxiety disorders. Depression and anxiety symptoms are comparable to those associated with PMS, and they may worsen before or during your period.
ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome):
Some women say their symptoms are worse shortly before their period. According to studies, women with ME/CFS are more likely to have heavy monthly flow and enter menopause early or prematurely.
Irritable bowel syndrome:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that produces cramps, bloating, and gas. It's possible that your IBS symptoms will worsen right before your period.
Bladder pain syndrome:
During PMS, women with bladder pain syndrome are more prone to have painful cramps.
Some health issues, such as asthma, allergies, and migraines, may be exacerbated by PMS.
What dietary changes can be made to help relieve PMS symptoms?
• Consume a high-complex-carbohydrate diet. A high-carbohydrate, complex-carbohydrate diet can help with mood and food cravings. Barley, brown rice, beans, and lentils are among more examples.
• Include calcium-rich items in your diet, such as yogurt and leafy green vegetables.
• Limit your fat, salt, and sugar consumption.
• Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Change your eating schedule. Instead of three substantial meals a day, eat six little meals throughout the day, or eat somewhat less at each of your three meals and add three light snacks. Symptoms can be alleviated by maintaining a constant blood sugar level.
Can PMS be treated?
If your symptoms are mild to moderate, you may be able to alleviate them by altering your lifestyle or diet. If your PMS symptoms start to affect your daily life, you may want to seek medical help. The severity of the condition will determine the treatment.
Can exercise help lessen PMS symptoms?
Many women find that regular cardiovascular exercises and meditation help to alleviate PMS symptoms. It will help you feel less tired and depressed. Aerobic activity should be done, which includes brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. Exercise on a regular basis, not just when you have symptoms. At least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week is an excellent goal.
What complementary or alternative medicines may help relieve PMS symptoms?
Yoga and meditation have helped some women find respite from PMS symptoms. Others claim that herbal supplements can aid with symptom relief. Before taking any of these supplements, consult your doctor or nurse. They may interact with other medications you're taking, causing them to stop working or causing dangerous adverse effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements at the same level that it regulates medicines.
Some studies demonstrate that certain herbal supplements can help with PMS symptoms, while others show that they don't. Many herbal supplements should not be taken in conjunction with any other medications. The following are some herbal medicines that women take to help with PMS symptoms:
Black cohosh: Black cohosh is a plant whose underground stems and roots are used to make tea, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Black cohosh is most commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, although it is also utilized by some women to ease PMS symptoms.
Chasteberry: Dried ripe chaste berry is used to make liquid extracts or pills that some women consume to help them deal with PMS symptoms. Chasteberry should not be taken by women who are on hormonal birth control or who are receiving hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.
Evening primrose oil: Evening primrose oil is a type of oil that comes from the evening primrose flower. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and placed in capsules. Although some women claim that the pill relieves PMS symptoms, research findings are varied.
Treatment:
A symptom diary: The goal of treatment is to alleviate your specific problems. Maintaining a daily journal will assist you in determining what your main symptoms are and when they occur. This information will assist you and your doctor in determining which treatment option is best for you.
Make a note of things such as:
Medication:
Prescription medicines can also be beneficial for women who haven't been able to control their symptoms with lifestyle changes. Diuretics (water pills) have been used in the past to help people feel less bloated. This isn't as popular as it once was, although it's still recommended on occasion. Some doctors prescribe hormones in the form of tablets.
Antidepressants:
Antidepressants are another form of medication. Any medication needs to be monitored by a doctor on a regular basis, so make an appointment with your doctor every six months. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your doctor for additional help.
Calcium or vitamin B6:
Calcium or vitamin B6 may help some women manage PMS symptoms. Calcium and vitamin B6 can be taken every day, starting a few days before PMS symptoms appear and continuing until your period arrives. According to research, the effective dose of calcium supplementation for PMS symptoms is around 1000mg per day; there is also some evidence that a calcium-rich diet, such as four servings of low-fat dairy products per day, may be useful for symptoms.
In conclusion, let your doctor know if you are taking either of these supplements.
SOURCE:
https://www.risingkashmir.com/Premenstrual-Syndrome--Symptoms--Causes-and-Treatment-96906
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