How to manage Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome is a combination of many uncomfortable symptoms. The symptoms might primarily be physical (bloating, fatigue, etc.), emotional (irritation, mood swings, etc.) or a combination of both. Either way, PMS symptoms disrupt life. Lifestyle changes and medications help to relieve PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome, PMS, describes symptoms that show up before the period. Symptoms could be based on emotions such as irritability or depression or one might have physical symptoms like breast pain or bloating. These symptoms happen two weeks before the period and return at the same time every month.

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: 

PMS symptoms range from mild to serious. 

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PMS symptoms affect the performance of regular activities and in severe cases might even reduce their quality of life.

Physical symptoms of PMS could include:

• changes in appetite, such as food cravings
• tender or swollen breasts
• weight gain
• abdominal bloating
• menstrual cramps or lower abdomen aches
• constipation or diarrhea
• headaches
• fatigue
• oily skin
• acne, pimple breakouts, and other skin symptoms

Psychological symptoms of PMS could include:

• low mood
• feeling tearful or crying
• irritability or anger
• depression
• increased anxiety
• mood swings
• social withdrawal
• problems sleeping, such as insomnia
• difficulty concentrating
• decreased libido

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Diabetes, depression, and inflammatory bowel syndrome worsen in PMS.

Also, age could affect the severity of PMS. During perimenopause, that is the transitional period leading up to menopause, people might experience worsening PMS symptoms.

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome: 

• Cyclical changes in hormones

PMS is the result of changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

These hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. 

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• Chemical changes in the brain

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have many important functions in the body, including regulating mood, emotions, and behavior of a person.

These chemical messengers might also factor into symptoms of PMS.

For example, a drop in estrogen might prompt the release of norepinephrine, which leads to declining production of dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. These changes could trigger sleep problems and lead to a low or depressed mood.

• Existing mental health conditions

Living with a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, would raise the chances of experiencing PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more serious form of PMS.

A family history of PMS, bipolar disorder or depression, including postpartum depression, could also increase this risk.

You might also notice premenstrual exacerbation. This means symptoms of underlying mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or depression, are seen just before before the period begins. They are referred to as mood swings as they affect the mood of the females. It is believed to be initiated by chemical changes taking place at that time.

• lifestyle factors

Certain habits might affect the severity of the PMS symptoms. Potential lifestyle factors that would worsen PMS symptoms include:

• smoking
• eating a lot of foods high in fat, sugar, and saltTrusted Source
• a lack of regular physical activity
• a lack of quality sleep

When the person binge drinks or drinks heavily on a regular basis, the person is even more likely to experience PMS symptoms.

Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: 

For many women, lifestyle changes could help relieve PMS symptoms. But depending on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor might prescribe one or more medications for premenstrual syndrome.

Different medications help to remove different symptoms in different females. Visit a doctor to get the right guidance on medications.

Prevention from Premenstrual Syndrome: 

Making lifestyle changes have a great influence on the reduction of PMS symptoms. These changes might include:

• Exercise regularly 
• Eat a well balanced diet. Increase whole grains, vegetables, and fruits intake and reduce taking salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Get enough sleep and rest
• Do not smoke

When the PMS is serious, the doctor could help with treatments, including medicine. Call the doctor when one:

• do not feel better after trying home treatments
• feel very sad or hopeless
• ever think about hurting or killing themself
• could not do the usual activities because of the PMS symptoms
• have PMS symptoms that do not go away after the first few days of the period

Deciding when to visit the doctor could prove to be slightly tricky as the symptoms of PMS are largely similar to the early symptoms of pregnancy and other disorders. An effective tool that could help thee is maintaining a menstrual record. Simply keep a check on the symptoms for few months for any abnormalities. For example, when the symptoms consistently occur prior to the periods and vanish as one begins to menstruate, then the symptoms indicate PMS.

However, when the symptoms are erratic and follow no particular pattern, there could be another underlying cause that could only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.Talk to Gytree experts to get the right guidance.

The gynecologist might ask one questions relating to the symptoms, the menstrual cycle, the overall health and whether or not the person is on any other medications (to rule out the possibility of a possible side effect) and they might also prescribe some blood work.

Based on the diagnosis, they could then prescribe a suitable course of medication to ease the symptoms.