Premenstrual syndrome: PMS Meaning, Symptoms and Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that takes place in a woman, generally between ovulation and menstrual. In general, it is called as PMS symptoms. PMS, nowadays, is a very common condition.

In India only, over 10 million women are diagnosed with it every year.  It affects the emotions, behaviour and physical health of a woman before and during the certain days of the menstrual cycle.

The cause is still unknown and studies are going on to understand it more. The symptom of PMS begins around 5-11 days before menses start and usually go away once the menstruation begins.  

Although, it is believed by some researchers that it is somehow related to the change in serotonin levels (A hormone that controls mood, emotions) and sex hormone at the onset of the menstrual cycle.

Addition to that, estrogen and progesterone levels also increase in the body, during the menstruation cycle, which often leads to irritation, mood swings and anxiety. PMS mood swings are very common in the female of all age group.

Albeit, it sounds very usual but actually, it is not. A woman has to go through all these mood swings every month without understanding the reason why it is happening to her.  

PMS is generally followed by mild or moderate symptoms and varies from individual to individual. The general PMS symptoms include:

• Sore breasts
• Abdominal bloating
• Anxiety
• Lower back pain
• Constipation
• Food cravings
• Acne flare-ups
• Social withdrawal
• Crying spells
• Muscle pains and much more…….

How To Ease The PMS Symptoms?

It is very well known that the hormonal issues cannot be cured completely, but can be controlled to a great extent. You can take help of the below-mentioned points for the moderate or mild PMS treatment:

• Take a sound sleep of at least 8 hours to reduce fatigue.
• Control the portion size of meals to reduce the sensation of fullness and bloating.
• Do a little bit of exercising and yoga, as it reduces stress. Mild to moderate exercise relieves the pain of PMS and menstruation.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Reduce the intake of salt and sugar, and increase the quantity of fruits and fibres.
• Take calcium, folic acid, vitamin B-6 and magnesium to help mood swings and cravings. 
• Drinking plenty of fluids may help in reducing abdominal bloating.

Some medicines also help in relieving the discomfort of PMS. Following are the commonly prescribed medicines for PMS. However, every medicine has side effects, so the advice is, never take any medicine without the prescription of a licensed doctor.

• Spironolactone– It is helpful in reducing bloating, weight gain and swelling. 
• Naproxen sodium or ibuprofen – Sore breast is a common symptom of PMS. Both medicines provide ease in discomfort. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Take it before the period starts. 
• Antidepressants such as paroxetine, fluoxetine can help in improving and relaxing mood. 
• Herbal remedies such as ginger, asafoetida and jaggery are said to be effective in controlling the cramps. 

When You Should See The Doctor?

The PMS symptoms are self-treatable in most of the cases. However, in some cases, it gets out of control, especially in young girls.

Because of the change in diet and lifestyle, the PMS has become more prevalent and serious. One should see a doctor if the situation doesn’t improve. Also, keep a track of your symptoms, it would help to understand better if you have PMS or not since the symptoms of PMS are similar to those of pregnancy, hypothyroidism and IBS. If the symptoms arise around the same date every month, there is a higher chance that it is PMS.

 

Disclaimer: We do not recommend any medicine or food for anyone. Our advice is that you consult your doctor before introducing anything in your body for the first time.