WHAT IS PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period. Most symptoms reduce or disappear predictably shortly before or during menstruation, and remain absent just before ovulation. Up to 80% of women report having some symptoms prior to menstruation but are not aware of the PMS..
There are no laboratory tests to verify the diagnosis of PMS but the woman's chief complaint is one or more of the emotional symptoms associated with PMS (most typically unexplained anger, irritability, tension, or unhappiness).
PMS occurs more often in women who are between their late 20s and early 40s; have at least 1 child; have a family history of depression; and have a past medical history of either depression or a mood disorder.
CAUSES
Changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle is the main factor; changing hormone levels affect some women more than others.
Chemical changes in the brain could trigger PMS symptoms such as premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
More than 200 different symptoms have been associated with PMS. T he exact symptoms and their intensity vary significantly from woman to woman, most women with premenstrual syndrome experience only a few of the possible symptoms, in a relatively predictable pattern
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Difficulty with sleep or increased sleeping
- Headache
- Feeling tired(severe fatigue)
- Mood swings
- Increased emotional sensitivity
- Changes in interest in sex.(libido)
- Anger
- Crying Spells.
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
- Social withdrawal
- Poor concentration
- Forgetting easily.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Bloating
- Lower back pain,
- Abdominal cramps,
- Constipation/diarrhea,
- Swelling or tenderness in the breasts,
- Cyclic acne
- Joint or muscle pain
- Food cravings.
- Hunger
- Alcohol intolerance
- Weight gain
- Swollen hands and feet
PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
- Confusion
- Hallucinations,
- Delusions, or manic state.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PMS
- Eat a healthy diet, including foods high in calcium (such as low-fat dairy products), fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (found in breads, pasta, and cereals).
- Stay away from salt the few days before your period to help with bloating.
- Drink less caffeine (found in soda, tea, and coffee) to feel less crabby and help ease breast soreness.
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than fewer, big ones.
- Make sure you are getting enough physical activity every day (and not just during your period).
- Make sure to get enough sleep. Try to go to bed and get up the same time each day.
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