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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Most women experience certain signs like breast tenderness, irritation, craving for sweets, moodiness, bloating, stomach pain or headache one to two weeks before their period [1]. And some of these symptoms can affect your daily life activities. By now, you may have probably understood that we are talking about premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common condition that affects more than 90 per cent of women.
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical, emotional or behavioural changes that starts just days or weeks before menstruation begins. It happens every month during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
About five to eight per cent of women of reproductive age have PMS and most of these women tend to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) [2]. PMDD is a severe form of PMS that may interfere with work, social activities and relationships.
Causes Of Premenstrual Syndrome
The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown. However, some researchers believe the following factors to be causes of premenstrual syndrome.
• Hormonal changes - A fluctuation in the oestrogen and progesterone hormones could cause irritability, mood swings and headache [2].
• Chemical changes in the brain - Fluctuation in serotonin levels can trigger premenstrual symptoms. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that plays a crucial role in mood, emotions and thoughts [2].
• Sex hormones - Fluctuations in sex hormones triggers the symptoms of PMS.
Menstrual
Hygiene
Day
2019:
What
You
Need
To
Know
About
Your
Periods
Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome
The symptoms are often mild, but it can become severe [3]. According to the American Family Physician, upto 85 per cent of menstruating women have one or more premenstrual symptoms.
Physical symptoms
•
Breast
tenderness
and
swelling
•
Headache
•
Back
pain
•
Stomach
pain
•
Bloating
•
Water
retention
•
Weight
gain
•
Nausea
•
Muscle
and
joint
pain
Emotional symptoms
•
Anger
•
Irritability
•
Depressed
mood
•
Anxiety
•
Tension
•
Crying
•
Mood
swings
•
Lack
of
concentration
•
Confusion
•
Restlessness
•
Forgetfulness
•
Loneliness
•
Decrease
in
self-esteem
Behavioural symptoms
•
Fatigue
•
Dizziness
•
Insomnia
•
Food
cravings
or
overeating
•
Changes
in
sexual
interest
Risk Factors Of Premenstrual Syndrome
• A family history of PMS.
• A family history of depression.
• History of depression or mood disorders like bipolar disorder or postpartum depression [4].
• Domestic violence.
• Substance abuse.
• Physical and emotional trauma.
• High levels of stress.
13
Common
Foods
To
Make
Your
Periods
Heavier
When To See A Doctor
If you are unable to manage your PMS and it is affecting your health and daily activities, consult a doctor.
Diagnosis Of Premenstrual Syndrome
The diagnostic criteria for PMS are based on the following symptoms [5].
• The presence of at least five symptoms in the luteal phase and at least one of which must be a mood symptom, which includes anxiety or tension, depressed mood and persistent anger and irritability.
• Marked affective lability like feeling suddenly sad or tearful.
• Decreased interest in usual activities.
• Lethargy
• Difficulty in concentrating.
• Marked changes in appetite
• Hypersomnia or insomnia.
• Being overwhelmed or out of control
Treatment Of Premenstrual Syndrome
A change in lifestyle and medications can bring relief from PMS symptoms.
Medications
• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) -They are considered effective in relieving PMS symptoms as compared to anti-depressants. It lowers mood symptoms and improves the quality of life and social activities. The SRIs that have been shown to be effective are fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine [6].
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) - These medications are given to ease abdominal cramping and breast swelling and tenderness.
• Vitamin supplements - Calcium, folic acid, vitamin B6 and magnesium can ease cramps and reduce mood swings [6].
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Lifestyle Changes
•
Drink
plenty
of
water
to
reduce
abdominal
pain.
•
Eat
a
well-balanced
diet.
•
Reduce
the
intake
of
sugar,
salt,
caffeine
and
alcohol.
•
Sleep
for
at
least
eight
hours
at
night.
•
Engage
in
30
minutes
of
exercise
such
as
walking,
cycling
or
swimming.
•
Try
doing
deep-breathing
exercises
to
relieve
stress.
Common FAQs
1. Does PMS get worse with age?
A. Yes, the PMS symptoms may worsen as you reach your late 30s or 40s and attain menopause.
2. How long does PMS last?
A. Before menstruation starts, PMS symptoms can begin on the 14th day of the cycle and last until seven days after the menstruation starts.
3. What kind of health problems do PMS have an effect on?
A. PMS can affect depression and anxiety disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and bladder pain syndrome.
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