What is premenstrual syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used for the physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience during the week or two before their menstrual period. These symptoms may continue during their period. PMS symptoms vary from person to person. Physical and emotional symptoms range from almost unnoticed to severe. Severe symptoms may seriously disrupt daily life.
How does it occur?
PMS is related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Though the cause of PMS is unknown, it is attributed to an imbalance of female hormones. Research suggests that women who do not have enough zinc, magnesium, Vitamins E and B6, or certain fatty acids in their diets are more likely to have PMS.
PMS only occurs in women who ovulate during their menstrual cycle. Women who are past menopause, pregnant, or taking hormonal contraceptives do not ovulate and therefore, do not have PMS.
What are the symptoms?
Physical symptoms may include:
- swollen feet or hands
- bloated stomach
- tender, enlarged breasts
- weight gain
- cramps and lower abdominal pain
- joint pain
- skin rash, blemishes, or bruising
- headache
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- backache
- sinus headaches or drainage
- a sore throat
- changed eating habits, with cravings
- a cold or asthma
Emotional symptoms may include:
- irritability
- anger
- depression
- anxiety
- crying spells
- tension
- fatigue
- difficulty in concentrating
- nervousness
- mood swings
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be difficult and may take several months. Your provider may ask you to keep a PMS journal or calendar and chart your symptoms. Symptoms that consistently appear at about the time of your period are usually related to the menstrual cycle.
Women with severe symptoms of PMS may be diagnosed with PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD includes mood-related symptoms that seriously disrupt your life on a regular basis. PMDD affects only 3-8% of women.
How is it treated?
The treatment depends on your symptoms. Some changes in your lifestyle may be helpful.
- Eat a balanced diet. Less junk food, salty food and chocolate. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as well as artificial sweeteners. Eat meals consisting mostly of complex, unrefined carbohydrates, including whole grains, vegetables and fruit.
- Develop a regular exercise program - jogging, walking, cycling. Regular exercise will help relieve both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
- Reduce stress.
- Get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
- Sometimes multivitamin and mineral supplements are also recommended.
- Other therapies may include hormone treatments, antidepressant medications, mild tranquilizers, birth control pills, and diuretics to lessen bloating. Before trying over-the-counter medications for PMS, consult your provider.
What can I do to prevent PMS?
Because there are still some uncertainties about the cause of PMS, there is often no reliable way to prevent it. You may be able to lessen the symptoms by following your provider's recommendations. You should call your provider if you experience severe symptoms or notice that they vary from one month to the next. Treatment may be required if there is a more serious underlying cause for the condition.
Some suggestions include:
- Regular exercise
- Balanced diet
- Reduction in stress
- Limit caffeine