Health & wellness

Know Everything About Premenstrual Syndrome

Know Everything About Premenstrual Syndrome

Menstruation is a mentally, physically, and psychologically recurrent process of any woman’s life. Before your cycle, it is generally uncomfortable and mood swings that end at the beginning of the menstrual flow. Keep the flows healthier over ‘monthly time’ by understanding signs, causes for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The strength of PMS ranges from moderate to debilitating discomfort. If you can feel only mild uneasiness during your time this month, your next time may be painful. It is also unpredictable. 20 -30 percent of women can also experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or serious PMS, according to reports.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

PMS refers to the array of physical and psychological symptoms encountered by women prior to their menstrual cycle.

It remains unclear what exactly causes PMS. However, the symptoms are likely to be responsible for the normal changes in hormone levels, especially those of estrogen and progesterone, in the week or two before menstruation.

The levels of estrogen and progesterone shrink significantly after ovulation. In the development of PMS symptoms, this might play a major role.

The decrease in the levels of estrogen will affect the levels of serotonin in a person. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, both of which are affected by PMS.

Significant or serious symptoms of PMS are not normal and can suggest that an underlying health problem is present. Speak to a physician about the significant signs of PMS.

Know Everything About Premenstrual Syndrome

Image Source – Pixabay

Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome 

The menstrual cycle of a woman lasts 28 days on average.

On day 14 of the cycle, ovulation, the time when an egg is released from the ovaries, occurs. On day 28 of the cycle, menstruation, or bleeding, occurs. PMS symptoms can start about day 14 and last until 7 days after menstruation begins.

Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms are typically mild to moderate. Nearly 80 percent of women experience one or more symptoms that do not significantly affect everyday functioning.

The symptoms of PMS

  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • fatigue
  • irritability
  • changes in sleep patterns
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • food cravings, especially for sweets
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • sadness
  • emotional outbursts
  • abdominal pain
  • sore breasts
  • acne

In PMS, people can also find that conditions such as diabetes, depression, and inflammatory bowel syndrome exacerbate symptoms.

Age may also impact the intensity of PMS, too. People may experience worsening PMS symptoms during perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause.

How To Know It’s PMS

People may not immediately realize that their symptoms are menstrually related, particularly if they have an irregular cycle.

If symptoms occur, keeping a journal will help a person perceive trends. If symptoms arise at about the same time per month, or at the same point in the menstrual cycle of a person, they may be due to PMS. And if not, there may be another cause of the symptoms.

Symptoms of PMS that are serious or disabling are not normal. If PMS symptoms get in the way of everyday life, talk to a doctor. Serious symptoms may suggest premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or a different medical condition in some cases.

People may need to see a doctor if the symptoms of PMS do not improve after trying OTC medicines, home remedies, and lifestyle changes.

Hormonal contraception may often cause symptoms similar to PMS. The explanation for this is that the body’s hormone levels change.

Depending on the type of contraception a person is using these symptoms can be less predictable. People will find that after they change birth control, their symptoms get better.

How To Treat PMS?

Depending on the individual symptoms of a person, treatment options for PMS differ.

PMS symptoms can be treated by taking medications, changing diet, practicing, attempting self-care, and changing lifestyles.

1. Medication

The use of OTC and prescription medications can be helpful for alleviating unpleasant symptoms such as headaches and abdominal cramps.

Examples of medications people take for the treatment of PMS include:

  • Pain alleviators, including acetaminophen, to ease the muscle pain, cramps, and headaches
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can alleviate stress, headaches, and muscle discomfort
  • Diuretics to reduce bloating and breast soreness

A physician can advise you to start taking hormonal nursing pills to reduce PMS symptoms in case of serious PMS symptoms. These medicines affect the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.

Speak to a specialist about extreme PMS. Medications for depression, anxiety, or other mood symptoms may be administered.

2. Use relaxation techniques

Stress management may help stabilize mental problems induced by PMS, and by the use of calming methods like deep breathing or meditation.

Some examples of stress control and relaxation are:

  • going for a walk
  • journaling
  • speaking with a close friend or loved one
  • meet with a mental health counselor or therapist
  • yoga
  • tai chi
  • stretching
  • taking a bath
Know Everything About Premenstrual Syndrome

Image Source – Pixabay

3. Exercise

Gently exercise will increase the level of estrogen and progesterone and reduce PMS symptoms.

In a study in 2018, involving females of high school age it was found that the following physical PMS symptoms improved by 1,5 hours of aerobic activity per week:

  • swelling of breasts
  • bloating
  • flushing
  • increased appetite
  • nausea
  • constipation or diarrhea

It should be remembered that these outcomes may have been affected by unregulated outside influences such as sleep habits, diet, and the living environment of the participants.

In comparison, there was no clear correlation in the findings of a cross-sectional analysis of 2017 between physical activity and PMS symptom improvements.

4. Relieve bloating

A person can feel heavy and lethargic with bloating. People can minimize bloating associated with PMS by:

  • Do not eat salty foods that exacerbate bloating
  • Eat foods high in potassium like bananas
  • Keep hydrated
  • Do a gentle workout
Know Everything About Premenstrual Syndrome

Image Source – Pixabay

At least one symptom of PMS occurs in most women. Hormone variations might play a major role in PMS, but they remain uncertain for the exact cause. A small proportion of people will develop a serious type of PMS known as PMDD. The use of OTC pain relief, healthy dietary changes, and stress management can all help alleviate PMS symptoms. People will want to see their physician if the symptoms are not better, worsened, or if their ability to do day-to-day work is disturbed.

Also Read: Causes Of Blood Clots During Periods

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