Premenstrual syndrome: Symptoms, treatment and more

Importance of understanding premenstrual syndrome (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)
Importance of understanding premenstrual syndrome (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, includes physical, mental, and hormonal changes happening before a woman's period. Their intensity eases with the period's onset.

Menstrual cramps can be harsh and distressing, but they have a reason. During your period, your womb tightens. This results in your womb’s lining being removed from your body.

When your womb tightens, it enables the period blood to leave through your vagina.

Many ways to manage PMS symptoms exist. These encompass e­xercise, stress control, change­ in diet, and numerous medicine­s. PMS symptoms normally fade when the pe­riod starts, but some women may fee­l it throughout their period.


Premenstrual syndrome symptoms

PMS is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that have a negative impact on both your physical and emotional well-being.

PMS symptoms cannot always be predicted. The time is predictable. Pains and aches or feelings of irritation that occur before your period and then improve thereafter are signs of PMS.

A few of these symptoms might be mental, like:

  • Tension and irritability
  • Tiredness
  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of aggressiveness or anger
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of confidence

Some physical symptoms include:

  • Breast fullness or soreness
  • Cramps, heaviness, or pressure in the lower belly
  • Headaches
  • Bloating
  • Weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Acne
  • Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting
  • Tired or lacking energy

PMS causes

1) Hormonal disbalances

It has been demonstrated that women suffering from Premenstrual syndrome frequently react differently to the variations in female hormones that take place during their periods.

Excessive oestrogen, progesterone insufficiency, raised prolactin, and increased aldosterone are thought to be connected with PMS symptoms.

Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by andrea)
Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by andrea)

2) Changes in brain chemicals

Over-sensitivity to progesterone appears to reduce the amount of brain chemicals named serotonin as well as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It may cause symptoms and explain why medications that increase the amount of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin work in Premenstrual syndrome.

Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by sora)
Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by sora)

PMS treatment

1) Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate some premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Most retailers provide over-the-counter pain medicines, which may help alleviate physical symptoms such as cramps, migraines, and backaches, as well as breast tenderness. These include Ibuprofen and aspirin.

Some women may benefit from antidepressants, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to alleviate emotional effects of PMS when other medications fail. Selective SSRIs, constitute the primary kind of antidepressant utilised to treat PMS.

2) Exercise

You can change your lifestyle to alleviate pain and combat PMS symptoms. Regular exercising is one of the most beneficial things you can perform for overall health. It provides numerous benefits. It can decrease your chance for many chronic diseases.

Regular cardio activity for 30 minutes per day can relieve stress and boost your mood. The benefits continue over the next 30 minutes.

3) Relaxation therapies

Finding methods to relax as well as reduce stress can benefit premenstrual syndrome sufferers. Your OB-gyn may recommend relaxation treatment to help alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Relaxation methods can involve inhaling exercises, focus practices, and yoga. A kind of chill-out way one could experiment with is massage therapy. A few ladies have discovered therapies like biofeedback and self-hypnosis to be helpful.

4) Diet

Although eating habits are not extensively researched in Premenstrual syndrome, there is still a chance that your diet may assist with alleviating discomfort from symptoms of PMS that you might endure.

Exercise and a nutritious diet can bring a variety of health advantages, in addition to improving how you feel during periods. Concentrate on a general nutritious diet plan, like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and low-fat or no-fat dairy.

Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by wendy)
Importance of sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by wendy)

Activities for the body, managing stress, altering food habits, and medication can help in stopping PMS symptoms. Chat with a physician; they can aid you in making a health routine to prevent PMS symptoms from disrupting your daily tasks.

App download animated image Get the free App now