Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is commonly experienced by women, with at least 4 out of 5 females being affected by it. PMS triggers several symptoms in various women; they may vary from person to person. The symptoms are usually predictable, manifesting as emotional and physical changes. Mood swings may result in depressive episodes, emotional outbursts or even general irritability.

On the other hand, physical symptoms can show up in the form of tender breasts, fatigue, lethargy or weight gain. Premenstrual syndrome usually does not impose serious health-related risks as its symptoms can be managed or brought under control with proper rest, an improved lifestyle and medication. However, the condition can take a mental toll on the affected person, primarily obstructing their social flow.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Simply put, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms which start affecting a woman, 1 or 2 weeks before the onset of their menstrual cycle. Women are commonly known to experience at least one type of PMS symptom, if not a combination of several. However, the symptoms go away on their own once the menstrual cycle sets in motion.
The symptoms of PMS may range from mild to severe. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is the most severe form of PMS. Although its symptoms can get much worse than they do for a case of PMS, it is less common than the latter.

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may vary from person to person as each individual may not experience the same symptoms to identical degrees. Some commonly experienced symptoms of PMS include physical and emotional triggers.

Physical signifiers like swelling of breasts, breast tenderness, the appearance of acne, bloating, weight gain, pain in the joints, headache, constipation and diarrhoea, and craving for certain foods among others, may manifest. A lot of women also feel an aversion to alcohol during their PMS time.

On the other hand, emotional symptoms include mood swings, sudden urges to cry, feeling irritable easily, feeling anxious or depressed, experiencing a wonky state of memory, the inability to concentrate, reduced sex drive, feeling able to sleep much less or much more than usual, etc.

A lot of females are also prone to losing their patience more often and getting angry easily during their PMS week. Finally, women sometimes naturally pull away from social situations, in order to be able to deal with the symptoms.

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

While there is no isolated cause for premenstrual syndrome, research has identified a number of contributory factors leading towards the development of the condition. Such causes include cyclic alterations in the hormones which trigger the signs and symptoms of PMS to fluctuate, chemical changes within the brain (fluctuation of the serotonin), and depressive episodes.
Some women may be suffering from depression but have gone undiagnosed. This can lead to certain types of PMS symptoms. However, depression alone, cannot cause PMS. Also, it is important to note that a lot of women who have PCOS, experience severe PMS symptoms. Again, the condition is not a direct cause of the syndrome but may be considered to be a contributory factor.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Diagnosis and Tests

There are no specific tests after which PMS is diagnosed. However, if its symptoms start affecting the lives of ones experiencing them to uncontrollable degrees, it’s recommended that they consult their healthcare providers. They can then talk through how the symptoms are affecting their daily life or productivity, and conclude on a plan of action.

The usual symptoms which are cross-checked upon visiting the doctor include PMS occurring five days prior to starting one's cycle; them occurring at least three months in a row; the symptoms disappearing after four days of periods; and them keeping the affected person from enjoying or participating in daily activities.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Management and Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome treatment usually consists of medication and minor lifestyle changes. NSAIDs can help relieve breast tenderness and cramps. Examples of NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Naproxen Sodium and Aspirin. Hormonal birth control, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and diuretics also help combat PMS symptoms.

Simple lifestyle tweaks like switching to a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a proper sleeping schedule shall help. Also, indulging in relaxing exercises like yoga and low-intensity pilates shall be good for affected individuals.

Preventive Measures for Premenstrual Syndrome

Certain lifestyle changes can help regulate PMS. Such changes include switching to a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting adequate amounts of rest and sleep. One can also actively undertake measures to reduce or regulate their stress levels.

Whole grains like fruits and vegetables are a must in each woman’s diet. Avoiding or reducing alcohol intake shall also help eliminate severe symptoms of PMS. Salt, caffeine and sugar intake should also be monitored.

Finally, one can keep a record of the PMS symptoms they experience for at least 3 months. After that, if the symptoms seem to affect their social life and productivity in general, they can refer to a healthcare person.

Myths and Facts About Premenstrual Syndrome

Here are some myths associated with premenstrual syndrome and the facts that debunk them:

Myth 1: One Should Avoid Exercise When They are Experiencing PMS
Fact: There is no need to avoid exercising when one is experiencing PMS. Exercising can help one feel better, easing the symptoms of PMS. Experiencing any form of PMS does not necessarily equal a need for bed rest. Especially, gentle or low-intensity exercises including walking, yoga or light pilates can help relieve cramps, headaches and even boost endorphins.

Myth 2: PMS Becomes Worse with Age
Fact: PMS can get worse with age, but it is not a given outcome. However, it is true that a lot of women experience the peak level of PMS symptoms between the ages of 30 to 40.

Myth 3: PMS Isn't Real, it's Just an Excuse for Bad Moods
Fact: PMS includes a bunch of various symptoms, and severe mood swings and bad moods are only a few of those. A lot of women fight urges of suddenly bursting into tears, getting super angry, irritated or spiralling into a depressive state. PMS is a very real thing, affecting the social lives of women to a high degree. Sometimes, mood alterations can even cause the affected person to not be able to function at all.

Myth 4: All Women Experience PMS
Fact: All women do not experience PMS. However, more than half of the women experience PMS so severely that they are unable to partake in daily activities as per schedule. So, all women and their experience with menstrual cycles cannot be generalised.

Myth 5: One Cannot Approach a Woman Who is Experiencing PMS
Fact: One can very well approach a woman even if she is experiencing PMS symptoms. This myth came to be with the context of the mood swings and fits of anger taking over women generally, who are experiencing PMS symptoms - but it is not a monstrous period of time in either case. So, you do not have to isolate yourself from the woman who is experiencing PMS.