A premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a woman’s period. The symptoms typically resolve once the period starts.
Do you often feel moody and irritable before your period? Do you have trouble sleeping or experience headaches and bloating? If so, you may be experiencing premenstrual syndrome or PMS.
Premenstrual syndrome is a common problem that affects many women each month. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of PMS and the treatments available.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
A premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a woman’s period. The symptoms typically resolve once the period starts.
PMS primarily affects women who are in their late teens to mid-twenties. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome. PMDD is a mood, emotional, and behavioral change that lasts two weeks before your period begins.
Almost 48% of women between 15 and 49 years of age have PMS, with 20% having severe symptoms that impair their regular routine. PMS is an actual illness that can disrupt daily life and cause significant physical discomfort and emotional distress.
What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
The symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman. Some women only experience a few mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms that impact their daily lives.
The most common symptoms of PMS include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability or anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Food cravings
- Abdomen pain
- Joint or muscle pain
What causes premenstrual syndrome?
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of hormonal and emotional factors.
During the menstrual cycle, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. These hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
PMS may also be caused by a lack of nutrients such as vitamin B-12, calcium, and magnesium. Stress can also play a role in the development of PMS symptoms.
How is premenstrual syndrome treated?
There is no cure for premenstrual syndrome, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. The most effective treatment for PMS is a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the symptoms of PMS include:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Reducing stress
- Limiting salt and caffeine intake
- Quitting smoking
Medications that may be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of PMS include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Oral hormonal contraceptives to regulate hormone levels and stop ovulation
- Antidepressants to relieve mood swings and other emotional symptoms
- Diuretics: If you do not see results from your exercise and salt reduction efforts, water pills (diuretics) can assist your body in eliminating extra fluid through your kidneys by reducing swelling and bloating. Spironolactone is a diuretic that can help relieve certain symptoms of PMS.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be suffering from premenstrual syndrome. They can help you make lifestyle changes and determine if medication is proper. But, don’t let PMS control your life; there are treatments available that can help.
Home remedies to reduce PMS symptoms
Several home remedies can help reduce the symptoms of PMS. Some simple lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference. Reducing stress levels is also essential.
Several herbal remedies can be effective in treating PMS symptoms. Some of the most popular herbs for treating PMS include chamomile, ginger, and lavender.
Acupuncture is another treatment option that can be very effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS.
If you are struggling with PMS, talking to your doctor about all of your treatment options is essential. You can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable life with the proper treatment.
