Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get for about 5 to 10 days before their period. PMS happens in the days after ovulation because estrogen and progesterone levels begin falling dramatically if you are not pregnant. PMS symptoms go away within a few days after a woman’s period starts as hormone levels begin rising again.
The symptoms vary in intensity from person to person. They may be mild and not interfere with daily routine or they may be so severe that they miss work or school. Severe PMS symptoms may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Less than 5 % of the women get PMDD. Usually PMS settles after menopause.
Women who have high levels of stress and women with a personal or family history of depression are more likely to get PMS.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
- PMS symptoms are different for every woman and can vary for the same women in different phases of life.
- Some common physical symptoms are bloating, flatus, tender breasts, constipation or diarrhea, cramping headache or backache, and intolerance to sound or light causing a migraine-like headache.
- Common emotional symptoms are mood swings, sadness, crying spells, irritability, sleep disturbances and loss of appetite.
Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome
There is no test for PMS, it’s a clinical diagnosis based on the symptoms and their timing in relation to the periods. They typically happen in the 5 to 10 days before the period and for at least three menstrual cycles in a row and end within four days after the period starts.
PMS may worsen some health problems such as asthma, allergies, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression and anxiety disorders.
Management of Premenstrual Syndrome
- Healthy lifestyle
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Avoiding foods and drinks with caffeine, salt, and sugar in the two weeks before the period.
- Avoid smoking alcohol and drugs
- Adequate sleep
- Yoga, massage, meditation can help.
- OTC medicines such as some analgesics can provide relief from breast pain and cramps.
- Prescription medicines.
- Hormonal birth control pills can help the symptoms.
- Antidepressants can help relieve emotional symptoms and can be used after consultation with mental health professionals.
- Certain vitamins or minerals may help relieve some PMS symptoms. Calcium, Vitamin B6 magnesium has been found to be useful.
- Various herbal supplements have been used with mixed results. The commonest supplement used is Evening primrose oil. The oil is taken from the plant’s seeds and put into capsules.
- There is help available for those not so nice days before the period. Feel free to connect with us for gynecological help.
