Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period.
Most women get PMS at one point in their lives however if it worsens enough to affect your daily life then you can easily get help. As many as three in four women say they get PMS symptoms at some point in their lifetime. For most women, PMS symptoms are mild.
Researchers do not know exactly what causes PMS. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a role. These changing hormone levels may affect some women more than others.
Less than 5% of women of childbearing age get a more severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) but that's another chapter!
—
PMS may happen more often in women who:
~Have high levels of stress ~Have a family history of depression ~Have a personal history of either postpartum depression or depression
Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month.
—
Physical symptoms of PMS can include:
~Swollen or tender breasts ~Constipation or diarrhoea ~Bloating or a gassy feeling ~Cramping ~Headache or backache ~Clumsiness ~Lower tolerance for noise or light
—
Emotional or mental symptoms of PMS include:
~Irritability or hostile behavior ~Feeling tired ~Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little) ~Appetite changes or food cravings ~Trouble with concentration or memory ~Tension or anxiety ~Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spell ~Mood swings ~Less interest in sex
__
To aid PMS, you can do and not do a variety of things:
Try to :
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Get plenty of sleep – 7 to 8 hours is recommended
- To reduce your stress by doing yoga or meditation
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
- Keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 to 3 menstrual cycles – you can take this to a GP appointment
Do not :
- Drink
- Smoke
- Do drugs
PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause however it stops once your period stops.
