Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms that some people experience one to two weeks before their period. PMS manifests itself in a variety of ways, including mood swings, sore breasts, food cravings, exhaustion, irritability, and despair. It is believed that up to three out of every four women having periods experience some sort of premenstrual syndrome.

Symptoms follow a predictable pattern. However, the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome can range from mild to severe. But, you must not let these issues rule your life. Treatments and lifestyle changes can aid in the reduction or management of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Let’s learn more about PMS in detail.

Common Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS symptoms may be physical, emotional, or a combination of both. They may also be light, severe, or somewhere in the middle. Not everyone gets PMS., but if you do, your symptoms may fluctuate throughout your lifetime. You may expect the following symptoms of PMS: 

Physical symptoms:

• The most prevalent physical symptoms of PMS are:
• Bloating or a gassy sensation
• Pelvic discomfort
• Fatigue
• Acne flare-up
• Breast soreness
• Headaches
• Diarrhea or constipation

Emotional symptoms:

The most common emotional symptoms of PMS are:

• Irritation or lashing out at others
• Mood swings
• Changes in your sexual urge
• Being worried, sadness, or having episodes of crying
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Food cravings or increased or diminished appetite
• Having difficulties sleeping (insomnia) 

Also Read: Phases of Menstrual Cycle & their Impact on Mood

When to Consult a Doctor for Premenstrual Syndrome

Visit your doctor if:

• PMS symptoms are bothering you.

• Symptoms persist, despite lifestyle adjustments.

• You have significant emotional and mood-related problems.

• Medications or hormonal treatments do not improve your symptoms.

• Symptoms prevent you from executing the activities you regularly undergo.

Causes Behind Premenstrual Syndrome

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown; however, various variables may contribute to the condition:

Hormonal fluctuations: The signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome alter with hormonal fluctuations and disappear throughout pregnancy and menopause.

Changes in brain chemistry: Fluctuations in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) known to have an important role in mood states, may cause PMS symptoms. Inadequate serotonin levels may contribute to premenstrual depression, fatigue, food cravings, and difficulty falling asleep.

Depression: Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undetected depression; however, depression does not cause all of the symptoms. 

Potential Risks of Premenstrual Syndrome

People in their late 20s and early 30s are the most likely to have PMS. You are more prone to develop PMS if you have:

• A history of postpartum depression.
• Personal or family history of depression or anxiety problems.
• High stress levels.

Also Read: Does low progesterone indicate infertility?

How Premenstrual Syndrome Are Diagnosed

Premenstrual syndrome cannot be diagnosed using specific physical signs or lab tests. Your doctor will diagnose PMS depending on your symptoms. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect your life. To get a PMS diagnosis, your symptoms must be:

• Occurring the week before your period.
• Ending within a few days of your period.
• Repeating for at least three menstrual cycles in a row.

Your provider may also inquire about your medical history and current medications to rule out any other causes of your symptoms besides PMS. They may also inquire about your biological family’s medical history, as many illnesses run in families.

Treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome

There are several things you may do to help control PMS like:

Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can assist in alleviating PMS symptoms. To keep yourself healthy, you can engage in 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise daily and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy.

Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages are also helpful.

Engage in enjoyable activities, use relaxing techniques like yoga and meditation, and prioritize adequate sleep and rest.

Medications and hormone treatments

Your doctor may suggest various medications. For instance, hormonal therapies can prevent ovulation, while antidepressants or anti-inflammatories can alleviate certain symptoms.

Natural Therapies

Natural therapies are among a variety of complementary and alternative medicines and therapies (CAM).

Many people use complementary therapies like acupuncture, naturopathy, and botanicals to alleviate PMS symptoms. However, further research is needed to determine how successful these medicines are.

Supplements used to control PMS include calcium, vitamin B6, chaste tree (also known as ‘chaste berry’), magnesium, and evening primrose oil.

Before attempting any complementary therapies, seek counsel from a certified and experienced health practitioner. Always inform your doctor (GP) if you are using any complementary medicines, as they can interact with other medications.

Also Read: What is Low AMH, Its Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Conclusion

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is common, but it does not mean you have to put up with the unpleasant symptoms it might generate. PMS does not go away permanently until you reach menopause and no longer have periods. Until then, there are several things you can do to assist control your symptoms and keep them from interfering with your life. Keep track of when you start to notice symptoms and what remedies help to relieve them. Put them to use every month, when your symptoms generally appear and you shall be fine during this time.

FAQs on Premenstrual Syndrome