Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment.

Are you feeling nervous before your period? Do you experience mood swings or have sensitive breasts? Or perhaps you just crave sweets more than usual? The symptoms and their intensity can vary, but they all have one thing in common - they could be symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This is an often underestimated and neglected problem, often treated humorously in society, yet it has a direct impact on the quality of life for many women. Learn what Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is, and what Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is. What are the most common symptoms? Can PMS be treated?

 

 

Premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically in women before their menstrual period. For some women, the first signs of PMS may appear up to 14 days before menstruation. However, they most commonly occur around 7 days before the expected menstrual bleeding.

PMS is a very common phenomenon among women, with statistics showing that up to 80% of them experience at least one symptom typical of premenstrual tension (e.g., headaches, breast pain, irritability, bloating, or increased appetite).

If premenstrual tension symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning, have a very negative impact on mood and self-esteem, and the pain is so intense that it prevents daily tasks, this may indicate Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual tension that requires medical consultation. Fortunately, it affects only a small number of women, about 3-8%.

 

 

The causes of premenstrual tension syndrome have not yet been fully discovered. However, most experts believe that PMS is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations that occur in women during the menstrual cycle.

Additionally, premenstrual syndrome may be the result of changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain, important chemical substances. One of them is serotonin, which insufficient level may affect the intensity of PMS symptoms. Low serotonin levels can cause mood swings, even depressive states, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

 

 

Both the symptoms themselves and their intensity can vary greatly. Symptoms and their severity may also change from cycle to cycle, sometimes changes are so subtle that they are difficult to detect independently. Therefore, in the OvuFriend application, it is worth recording symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle (not just before ovulation). This allows for a very accurate analysis and detection of even minor changes in individual menstrual cycles.

Basing on the analysis of menstrual cycles of OvuFriend users, the most common PMS symptoms include:

• Mood swings / mood swings,
• Crying / nervousness / anxiety,
• Painful / sensitive / tender breasts,
• Acne,
• Headache,
• Digestive problems e.g., bloating / constipation / diarrhea,
• Sleep problems,
• Changes in libido,
• Changes in appetite / cravings,
• Weight gain / water retention in the body,
• Fatigue / drowsiness / concentration problems,
• Abdominal pain / cramps,
• Swelling (e.g., feet).

When can PMS symptoms worsen?

There are factors that do not cause but can exacerbate premenstrual tension syndrome. These include:

• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,
• Stressful lifestyle,
• Diet rich in unhealthy fats, sweet and salty snacks, large amounts of salt and sugar, as well as excessive consumption of red meat,
• Depression.

For most women, PMS does not greatly affect their daily functioning. For some women, the only symptom may be increased appetite and cravings for chocolate in the days leading up to their period. However, for about 20-30% of women, the intensity of PMS symptoms is assessed as moderate or severe. If the course is severe, we then refer to it as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD can affect both physical symptoms (e.g., pain) and emotional symptoms (e.g., depressive states). One thing is certain - in the case of PMDD, the symptoms affect daily functioning, exclude the woman from life, make it difficult for her to socialize, and make it difficult for her to perform duties, which can affect her performance at work. In such a situation, medical consultation is recommended.

 

 

When to see a doctor? Primarily when premenstrual tension syndrome interferes with daily functioning, when symptoms are so severe that they are difficult to cope with at home. When, despite making positive changes to your lifestyle, such as reducing stress, giving up stimulants, and switching to a healthier diet, they do not produce the expected results.

The diagnosis of PMS is based primarily on a detailed medical interview with the patient about accompanying symptoms. It is then good to present menstrual cycles and symptoms recorded in the application (from at least 2-3 menstrual cycles). This will allow the doctor to familiarize themselves with the symptoms, accompanying ailments, and at the same time indicate which symptoms are repetitive and most troublesome.

The doctor may also order basic tests, as symptoms in some conditions may mimic those experienced during premenstrual tension. What conditions are we talking about? Primarily thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or depression. It is the doctor's task to exclude other disease entities.

 

 

The first step should be lifestyle changes:

• Limit salt and sugar. Excess salt can cause water retention in the body and thus swelling. Sweet and salty, unhealthy snacks can exacerbate skin problems such as acne.
• Eat smaller meals. A light diet, smaller but more frequent meals can be helpful for bloating and constipation.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. Before menstruation, it is worth reducing alcohol, coffee, or strong tea intake. They can flush out many valuable nutrients from the body, e.g., magnesium. Magnesium deficiency primarily increases menstrual pain.
• Choose whole grain products. They are rich in B vitamins, which can be helpful for characteristic PMS symptoms: sensitive breasts, water retention, and even mood swings.
• Be active. Physical exercise can alleviate the pain symptoms experienced with PMS (e.g., painful cramps before and during menstruation). Additionally, they cause endorphins, the so-called hormones of happiness, to be released in the body. This is particularly important for women who suffer from low mood, nervousness, and depression before menstruation.
• Limit stress. Relaxation, relaxation, and rest can make PMS symptoms less troublesome. It is worth practicing yoga or meditation, learning relaxation methods that will be a great antidote to headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems.