WHAT IS PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME?
In the stage of puberty, a girl undergoes many changes in her body. These changes include both physical and emotional. Girls should be given proper knowledge about the changes occurring so that they do not panic and be open to asking questions. Menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene is a topic which should be made gender neutral and gender sensitive. The first guide of a girl who has attained puberty is her mother and sister in the household and second guide is her school teacher.
There are many myths associated with menstruation but the Ichhori website clears it all for all age group women. The site is for women, by women and of women. It covers almost all topics which by some reason are put into the taboo category. Every issue, every rights, every disease is covered keeping it women-centric. Here, we’ll put some points on premenstrual syndrome and how to tackle it.
Affecting almost 90% of the women population across the globe, premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical and emotional changes experienced by a woman in her reproductive age. The symptoms of this syndrome range from mild to severe in different women and mostly affect women above 30 years of age.
The normal menstrual cycle in a woman is of 28 days, in the premenstrual syndrome condition severe abdominal pain, bloating, etc. is experienced between the duration of ovulation and next period's arrival. The pain in premenstrual syndrome is similar to that of menstrual cycle, causing a woman to skip her job or any other activity.
WHY DOES PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME OCCUR?
Many experts have noted that before the arrival of the menstrual cycle, there is a sudden drop in the estrogen and progesterone hormonal level. Due to this reason, three out four women experience premenstrual syndrome in a mild or severe manner. Certain women who are pregnant can get premenstrual syndrome after pregnancy and if it turns to be severe, it is a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In this condition, woman’ condition deteriorates, extreme mood swings, increase in appetite, sleep disorder, anxiety, etc. There are at least 5% of women in the reproductive age who experience this disorder and it occurs specifically due to postpartum depression, a family history of PMS or PMDD or high level of stress.
The premenstrual syndrome persists till a woman gets menopause, with increasing age the symptoms can also get severe. Usually this syndrome is associated with hormonal changes in a woman. During pregnancy there is an upsurge in the hormones and after pregnancy they tend to lower down. This fluctuation is one of the prime factors of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
What are the Symptoms and Diagnosis of the Premenstrual Syndrome?
This syndrome comes with both physical and emotional changes in a woman. Here are certain signs discussed which need an expert’ advice and should not be avoided at any cost.
· Bloating – it usually occurs in the abdominal area. Women experience this due to premenstrual syndrome, eating salty foods, having food intolerances and change in hormones. Bloating mostly occurs due to gas built up in the stomach and intestine which leads to indigestion, feeling nauseous, etc.
· Constipation or diarrhea – one of the symptoms faced by every woman during her periods is her constipation or diarrhea problem. Having premenstrual syndrome brings the same symptoms.
· Cramps – most common sign of menstruation is period cramps. This usually occurs in the pelvic area. Women face mild to severe cramps during her periods. The sole reason behind it is that an entire layer of the uterus is being shredded during periods, which causes pain or cramps.
· Mood swings – the most common trait in menstruation is a result of hormonal changes. Already a woman is undergoing a lot of pain in the normal menstrual cycle, in the premenstrual syndrome similar effects are observed. Due to pain, the interest in doing activities and participating reduces. Women tend to get irritated more often in premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cycle.
· Anxiety, depression, sleep pattern – the hormonal imbalance leads to a woman facing anxiety and depression. The menstrual cycle occurs every month along with premenstrual syndrome which disturbs the entire schedule of women, especially working women. The sleep pattern is hampered due to the syndrome, which results in less output of fruitful work.
The above symptoms are a clear indication of premenstrual syndrome. Other symptoms which confirm PMS are as follows-
· PMS occurs before the menstrual cycle, at least 4-5 days ago and is seen regularly for three menstrual cycles in a woman.
· After the menstrual cycle is over, the PMS symptoms also end with it.
· It is PMS when it starts hampering your routine activity with mood swings and anxiety.
Wayforward–
Certain diseases occur naturally in women without any foreign particle entry or induction of medicine like PCOS, PCOD, PMS, etc. Change in a few aspects can help reduce the burden of the disease. A slight change in lifestyle can help combat certain issues coming with PMS. Here are a few tips to reduce the challenges in PMS –
· Exercise, meditate, do yoga – there are certain asanas in yoga which help reduce the pain caused due to periods. Getting involved in exercise and meditation not only boosts immunity but also helps reduce chances of depression and anxiety as one will remain indulged in some activity.
· Nutritious food and a balanced diet – a healthy diet for women is very necessary. One should always prefer food with rich vitamins and proteins so the body gets enough nutrition to function and no extra oral supplements are needed.
· Proper sleep pattern – if a woman is facing an insomnia-like condition, she should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Proper sleep can help curb depression and anxiety like issues, which can eventually lessen the burden of PMS.
· Keep a distance from drugs – people tend to find relief in doing drugs and drinking alcohol, but eventually end up ruining their life. Instead of indulging in drug addiction, one can always find an alternative to overcome stress. For e.g., making new friends, indulging in new activities, developing a new hobby, etc.
There is always the support of an expert in the form of a doctor, psychiatrist, social worker for women to overcome her issues. Instead of suffering from the disease and trauma, she should always ask for help and feel free to talk to the experts and her partner. It is a sense of relief when a spouse or partner understands the situation and helps reduce the burden.
REFERENCE - Women’ health, Healthline