Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is what is known as the symptoms that start 7 to 14 days before menstruation. Thankfully the symptoms usually stop soon after the period begins.  Most women feel different levels of discomfort before their periods. I

f you have PMS, you  may feel so anxious, depressed or uncomfortable and some women suffer insomuch that they struggle to cope at home or at work. Symptoms can be worse some months and better others.

Some of the symptoms of PMS are listed below.

Bloated abdomen / Constipation
Depression and Crying spells 
The heartbeat is faster
A feeling of hunger
Feeling irritable /  tense
Feeling tired and anxious
Headache and Joint pain
Mood swings and a lack of interest in sex
Tender and swollen breasts
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Swollen hands or feet 
Preferring to be alone
Weight gain

What's the cause of PMS? - It's not known for sure!

It seems to be linked in part to changes in hormone levels that take place during the menstrual cycle.

Contrary to what many people believe:

PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems
(although they may make the symptoms of PMS worse. )

How do we diagnose PMS?

Some doctors ask their patients to keep track of your symptoms on a calendar. If those symptoms follow the same pattern it's likely to be PMS.

You should ask your doctor to examine you to rule out other problems. They will talk to you about your work or home life and discuss your eating and exercise habits.

How is PMS treated?

Most women are aware that there isn't a cure for PMS. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise will be a great help
There are of course certain medicines that also help.

Your doctor will consider advising you of possibly changing your diet and including an exercise routine and depending on your symptoms, they may also prescribe medicines.

Some medicines work better than others so you may need to experiment. Some medicines are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription. Prescription medicines may include antidepressants diuretics or birth control pills.

As for the future?  Other medicines are constantly being studied.

What are diuretics?

A diuretic is any drug that tends to increase the flow of urine from the body. They also decrease the extra cellular fluid volume, and are primarily used to produce a negative extra cellular fluid balance.  You would normally take them prior to any expected PMS symptoms.

What about antidepressants?

For those women who suffer severe irritability, depression and anxiety, some antidepressants may help. These medicines are usually taken daily. 

....and birth control pills?

Ask your doctor about taking birth control pills. They can help ease some of your PMS symptoms by "balancing out" your hormone levels throughout your cycle and many women find that their PMS symptoms improve drastically. Remember though, the pill may cause side effects.

What about non prescription Medicines?

Non prescription medicines are available that can help with the symptoms of PMS. Basically these medicines combine aspirin or acetaminophen with caffeine, antihistamines or diuretics. Some over-the-counter pain relievers can also help and can work quite well for mild or moderate PMS but do discuss this with your doctor before you try them.  

What might ease the symptoms?

Here are some tips on controlling PMS:

Eat complex carbohydrates including whole grain breads, pasta and cereals. Eat fibre and protein and reduce your intake of sugar and fat. Avoid salt just prior to your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.

Reduce your caffeine intake. This will help you to feel less tense and irritable and help ease breast soreness. Cut out alcohol. Alcohol before a period can make you feel more depressed.

Eat more small meals each day instead of less larger meals. Get as much sleep as possible--about 8 hours a night. Keep to a regular schedule of meals, bedtime and exercise. Avoid stressful events for the week after your period. 

Some people benefit from a vitamin regime and some don't. Supplements, such as vitamin B6, vitamin E and  magnesium ,  can help relieve PMS. Check with your doctor about possible side effects taking vitamins if you take more than the RDA.

Taking calcium pills may reduce symptoms of water retention, cramps and back pain. Taking about 1,000 mg of calcium a day probably won't be harmful, especially because calcium has so many other benefits, such as being good for your bones. 

Editor
My Health Articles.co.uk

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Author: Peter Charalambos


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Peter Charalambos is a contributing writer for health information sites, sports health sites and a general news and information site. He has written about all aspects of vitamins, minerals and health supplements and constantly strives to uncover biased research which tries to undermine natural products in favour of drugs.

The content on this site is provided for information purposes and is in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is to focus on overall health issues or strategies. For specific guidance regarding personal health questions, we advise consultation with a qualified health care professional familiar with your particular circumstances. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert's care