Pre Menstrual Syndrome
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 58, Word Count: 816,
Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a very common condition in women where the person suffers from a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms. These symptoms usually occur about 5-11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when menstrual cycle begins. Some women suffer from minor symptoms and do not seek any Pre menstrual syndrome treatment. Women who are more sensitive to hormonal change may experience more PMS than other woman.
Pre menstrual syndrome causes:- The exact causes of Pre menstrual syndrome are not known. As the symptoms have a wide range it is difficult to make a firm diagnoses. It may be due to hormonal changes that occur before each period. It is related to the cyclic changes in female sex hormones, pituitary hormones, prostaglandins and certain brain chemicals
Ovulation acts as a trigger to PMS but is not the cause
Pre menstrual syndrome symptoms:- The symptoms are a collection of various physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. Most of these symptoms are related to hormonal imbalances and emotional disorder. Pre menstrual syndrome depression is seen and it is one of the major symptoms of PMS. The severe forms of these symptoms are referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMS symptoms begin at puberty and last till menopause.
- Breast tenderness
- Menstrual cramps
- Back pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Changes in appetite
- Clumsiness
- Poor concentration
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Unrest
Pre menstrual syndrome prevention:-
- Maintaining a good diet will help in preventing PMS. The diet low in sugars, salts, fats, caffeine and alcohol should be maintained regularly.
- Foods with phytoestrogens and complex carbohydrates help in reducing PMS symptoms as carbohydrates drop serotonin as they raise insulin levels
- Exercise regularly to maintain overall good health and maintain a positive self image
- As PMS is often associated with stress, avoidance of stress or managing it is of utmost importance
- Use relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation that aid in reducing stress
Pre menstrual syndrome treatment:-
- Anti-inflammatory to reduce menstrual cramps, breast pain, headache, swelling and other discomfort
- Hormones like nafarelin and leuprolide that prevents the body from releasing eggs
- Birth control pills that suppress the menstrual cycle
- Antidepressants like serotonin-reuptake inhibitors to reduce depression, irritability and anxiety
- Danazol used to block production and effects of female hormone
- Diuretics reduce weight gain, breast swelling, and bloating
Pre menstrual Dysphoric disorder (PMDD):- It is the severe and disabling form of Pre menstrual syndrome. The main symptoms are severe mood disorders like depression, anxiety, tension and persistent anger. Other physical symptoms are severe headache, lack of energy, joint pain, breast tenderness and bloating. The woman suffering should have at least 5 of the typical symptoms to be diagnosed as PMDD.
Pre menstrual syndrome diet:-
- Nutritional guidelines are very useful in reducing the overall well being as well as control of Pre menstrual syndrome. Low sugar level in blood also causes PMS like symptoms hence care should be taken while selecting your diet.
- Eliminate salt and use herbs, lime or vinegar instead
- Avoid foods with a lot of salt to prevent bloating and water retention
- Avoid food products with a lot of sodium
- Eat fresh foods instead of preserved and processed foods
- Eat foods with a lot of vitamins and calcium
Pre menstrual syndrome or PMS is commonly seen during the onset of menstrual cycle. This article informs you about, Pre menstrual syndrome causes, Pre menstrual syndrome symptoms, Pre menstrual syndrome treatment and Pre menstrual Dysphoric disorder.
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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