Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms and Treatment

Contents

In this article we will look at:

• What is premenstrual syndrome?
• How does premenstrual syndrome occur?
• Who is prone to premenstrual syndrome?
• What are the causes of premenstrual syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
• When to see a doctor for premenstrual syndrome?
• What are the complications of premenstrual syndrome?
• What is the treatment of premenstrual syndrome?

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What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of emotional, physical, mental, and behavioural disturbances experienced by a woman before her menstrual cycle. Approximately 85 % of the women in this world experience PMS. Most of the women experience at least one symptom of PMS every month, prior to menstruation.

These symptoms occur in a woman around two weeks before her monthly period (i.e. during her period of ovulation). The signs become more intense 2-3 days prior to the period, and usually resolve a day or two after the period commences.

How does premenstrual syndrome occur?

PMS can affect menstruating women of any age, and the effect is different for each woman. For some women, the symptoms can vanish as soon as menstruation starts. For others, it can be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. For these women, the PMS symptoms subside once the menstruation stops. Women stop experiencing PMS when they are pregnant or once they reach menopause. Women who have undergone hysterectomies can experience PMS every month even if at least one functional ovary is left.

How or why PMS symptoms occur is not clear, but several factors may be involved. Changes in hormones which can result in chemical changes in the brain, during the menstrual cycle, seem to be an important cause. Hormonal level changes may affect some women more than others. Other issues such as stress and emotional problems, such as depression, may make PMS symptoms worse.

Other possible causes can include:

• an unhealthy diet resulting in low vitamins and minerals for the body

• obesity

• heavy smoking or alcohol drinking

• too much of caffeine intake

• leading a sedentary life

These factors can cause PMS symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, fatigue, depression, headache, back pain, food cravings, acne, swollen tender breasts, stomach bloating, constipation or diarrhea.

Who is prone to premenstrual syndrome?

Women who are at an increased risk of suffering from PMS :

• have a family history of PMS

• lead a sedentary lifestyle

• take an unhealthy diet

• drink a lot of alcohol

• smoke heavily

• are below 30 years of age

• consume a high sugar diet

• have more than two children

• suffer from high-stress levels

• take a diet low in vitamin B, calcium, and magnesium

• do not exercise

• are prone to take a lot of caffeine

What are the causes of premenstrual syndrome?

The causes of PMS have not yet been established.

Researchers, however, believe that:

• Hormonal changes can cause PMS: A change in the hormones during the menstrual cycle can cause PMS. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones rise and fall just prior to, and during a menstrual cycle. An increase in these hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.

• Chemical changes in the brain can cause PMS: The change in hormones can also affect certain chemical levels in the brain. For instance, serotonin which can regulate our moods and make us happier may reduce with a change in the hormone level. This can directly affect our moods.

• Physical and lifestyle factors can cause PMS: It has been observed that obese women are more likely to have PMS. Other lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, heavy smoking and drinking, or too much stress can also cause PMS.
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What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?

The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are:

• acne

• joint or muscle pain

• trouble with concentration or memory

• anxiety, irritability, mood swings

• depression

• swollen or tender breasts

• constant fatigue

• insomnia

• bloated abdomen

• abdominal pain or cramps

• constipation or diarrhea

• headache or backache

• appetite changes or food cravings

• nausea

• sadness

When to see a doctor for premenstrual syndrome?

You need to visit a doctor if any of your symptoms especially your mood swings, depression, or abdomen, joint and muscle pains are interfering with your day to day activities, or if they do not go away even after menstruation has stopped.

Recurrent symptoms can also occur due to an underlying disorder such as:

• thyroid disease

• anemia

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (IBS)

• chronic fatigue syndrome

• rheumatic disorders

• endometriosis

What are the complications of premenstrual syndrome?

The complications of PMS include:

• depression

• severe anxiety

• thoughts of suicide

• severe mood swings

• substance abuse due to severe depression

• existing medical conditions such as migraines, asthma, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may exacerbate

• trouble thinking or focusing

• painful cramps

• lack of interest in daily activities

• extreme anger

What is the treatment of premenstrual syndrome?

Medical Treatment

Many women experience relief from PMS symptoms through lifestyle changes alone. For aggravated cases though, your doctor may prescribe medicines for the symptoms such as:

• antidepressants

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• diuretics

• hormonal contraceptives

• painkillers

• oestrogen-only patches and implants

Exercise

Exercising regularly can help you to get complete relief from PMS symptoms. Doing aerobics at least for two hours per week can help alleviate the symptoms. Other activities can include brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. These activities will help keep depression at bay.

Stretching and breathing exercises, such as yoga and pilates, will help reduce your stress levels.