Do you also experience these kinds of discomforts before your monthly period? (Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS) Let's talk about this!

Do you also experience various physical and mental problems a few days before your period starts? Maybe you feel like you're full, or you just feel irritable and hurt by small things. Many women have this experience. We call this premenstrual syndrome (PMS). So, shall we talk about PMS in a little more detail today?

What is this PMS?

Simply put, PMS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the week or two before your period starts. Most people who menstruate experience one or more of these PMS symptoms. These symptoms often make you think, "Oh, my period is almost here." These PMS symptoms usually go away after your period starts. However, they can return at this time during your next menstrual cycle.

Consider this: Nearly 50% of menstruating women say they have at least one PMS symptom. Of these, about 20% experience symptoms so severe that they interfere with their daily lives.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

PMS symptoms can be physical, emotional, or a combination of both. Also, while some people may experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe symptoms that are unbearable. Not everyone experiences PMS. If you have PMS, the nature of these symptoms may change throughout your life.

Physical symptoms

Let's first look at the main physical symptoms that come with PMS:

• Feeling full or bloated.
• Pelvic pain .
• Feeling of chronic fatigue .
• Sudden increase in acne .
• Feeling pain or tightness in the breasts (Breast soreness).
• Headaches .
• Diarrhea or constipation . Some people may experience alternating episodes of these two.

Mental symptoms

Now let's see what are the psychological symptoms that come with PMS:

• Getting angry for no reason or lashing out at others, fighting (Irritability).
• Mood swings . Feeling happy one moment, then sad or angry the next.
• Changes in sex drive – Some people may experience increased desire, while others may experience decreased desire.
• Feeling anxious, sad or having crying spells.
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating . It can feel like your head is covered in fog.
• Food cravings or increased/decreased appetite.
• Insomnia or sleep problems.

What are the causes of PMS?

The exact cause of PMS is not yet known , but many doctors believe that hormonal changes associated with your monthly menstrual cycle are the main cause.

Usually, in the middle of your menstrual cycle, around the time of ovulation , your body's levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rise. Then, when your period starts, these hormone levels drop for a few days, and then they start to rise again. These fluctuations in hormones are thought to be responsible for the symptoms of PMS. Some people are more sensitive to these hormonal changes than others. That's probably why PMS doesn't affect everyone the same way. Got it?

How long does PMS last before menstruation?

Many people start to experience PMS symptoms a week or two before their period starts. But this time is not the same for everyone. Some people may experience PMS two weeks before their period, while others may experience it a couple of days before. It varies from person to person.

What are the risk factors for PMS?

If you have any of the following, you may be slightly more likely to experience PMS:

• Having a history of postpartum depression .
• You or someone in your family has depression or anxiety disorders .
• Suffering from high stress levels.

Doctors most often diagnose PMS in people in their late 20s and early 30s.

How to diagnose Premenstrual Syndrome?

Your doctor will diagnose PMS based on the symptoms you describe. They will ask you what symptoms you have, when they occur, and how they affect your life. To be diagnosed with PMS, your symptoms should be:

• Occurs the week before menstruation begins.
• Menstruation starts and disappears within a few days.
• Recurrence in at least three consecutive monthly menstrual cycles .

Questions the doctor may ask you

The doctor may ask you questions like these:

• How many days does it take from one period to the next?
• How many days will you bleed?
• How many days does it take for you to bleed lightly, moderately, or heavily?
• What are your symptoms?
• When do your PMS symptoms start/go away?
• When do your symptoms feel milder/severe?
• Do you feel like your symptoms are about to start?
• Do your symptoms interfere with your daily life?

In addition to these questions, your doctor may ask about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking to make sure that there is no other cause for your symptoms other than PMS. Since some conditions run in families, your doctor may also ask about your family's medical history . Your doctor will also look for other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Perimenopause
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Thyroid disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How to manage PMS symptoms?

There are many treatment options for PMS. Some people have to try several different treatments until they find one that provides relief from their symptoms.

Medications for PMS

Usually, mild symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter (OTC) medications . However, for more severe symptoms, you may need to get a prescription from a doctor. Let's take a look at the options:

• `NSAIDs` (`Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs`): These types of painkillers can help relieve breast pain and menstrual cramps if taken at the onset of your symptoms. Examples include `Ibuprofen`, `Naproxen sodium`, `Acetaminophen`, and `Aspirin`, which are available at your local pharmacy.
• Hormonal birth control: Medications that prevent ovulation can help relieve unpleasant physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and pain. You may need to experiment a bit to find the birth control method that works best for you. Birth control pills , patches , and vaginal rings are available.
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: The most commonly used antidepressants to treat the emotional problems that come with PMS are called SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Examples include Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline, which are available with a doctor's prescription.
• Diuretics: These are medications that remove excess water from the body. They can help relieve symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness.

Lifestyle changes

There are some lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with PMS. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Regular exercise: Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g., running, walking, swimming) a day can reduce stress and make you feel happier. Not only that, exercise is also great for your overall health.
• Eat a healthy diet that suits you: Eating more of some foods and less of others can help control PMS symptoms. Cut down on foods that are high in salt, fat, and sugar about two weeks before your period. Also, cut down on caffeinated drinks and alcohol . Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains .
• Get enough sleep: Getting at least 8 hours of sleep a day can help reduce irritability and restlessness. Waking up and going to bed at the same time every day helps your body's internal clock to function properly. This will also reduce the chance of major mood swings throughout the day.
• Practice relaxation exercises: Activities like yoga , meditation , and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and combat feelings of irritability and sadness that come with PMS.
• Avoid smoking: Using tobacco products can make PMS symptoms worse.

Vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements

Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like over-the-counter medications. So it's best to talk to a doctor before using them. However, there is some evidence that these may help with PMS:

• Curcumin: This is especially helpful for mood swings and pain relief. (This is a major component of turmeric.)
• Chasteberry: Helps fill the stomach, reduce pain, and reduce cravings.
• St. John's Wort: This is used to help with mood swings and the anxiety and depression that are common during PMS.
• Evening primrose oil: This is an essential fatty acid. It can help reduce depression, as well as breast pain, swelling, and bloating.
• Ginkgo biloba: Has been shown to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.

When does PMS completely go away?

You will completely lose the feeling of `PMS`.Menopause is when your period stops completely. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to manage your symptoms so they don't interfere with your life. Keep track of when you start to feel your symptoms, and what treatments you use to help relieve them. Use those treatments when your symptoms start each month.

Can PMS be prevented?

You can't completely prevent Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). However, you can manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

What should I expect if I have Premenstrual Syndrome?

PMS is so common that many people dismiss it as just another 'period' problem. But don't let PMS just because it's normal interfere with your life. In most cases, you can manage your symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. If nothing you do makes a big difference, see your doctor about treatments that might help.

Remember, PMS is not something you have to endure. You can get help for it.

When should I see a doctor?

If you're having trouble getting relief from your PMS symptoms, see a doctor. To get the most out of your visit, come prepared to talk in detail about your symptoms and your period.

Be prepared to share these things:

• Your symptoms (including how severe they are) and when they occur.
• The days your last two menstrual periods started and ended.

You can use a pen and paper, a calendar, or an app on your phone to record this information. This will help you and your doctor recommend the best course of action.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

If you have PMS, you can ask your doctor questions like these:

• Are my symptoms related only to PMS, or could they be a sign of another condition?
• What lifestyle changes do you recommend to help with PMS?
• Do I need medication to help with my symptoms?
• Do you recommend herbal supplements to relieve PMS symptoms?

What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, is a more severe and potentially life-threatening form of PMS. It is much less common than PMS, affecting about 3% of women who menstruate. With PMDD, you experience the same symptoms as PMS, but with greater intensity. This is especially true for your mood and emotional reactions. With PMDD, you may experience more intense anger, depression, and anxiety than with PMS.There is more room to experience.

At what age does PMS become severe?

There is no firm evidence that PMS is more severe at any particular age. Researchers believe that PMS symptoms appear in roughly the same way at all ages. Some people find that their PMS symptoms become more severe when they reach their 40s. However, this is usually due to the symptoms of perimenopause (such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness).

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is common, but it doesn't mean you have to put up with the unpleasant symptoms it can cause. Be aware of any aches and pains you experience just before your period. These could be signs of PMS. If these things are interfering with your well-being, try making some changes to your routine, such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If these things don't help, see a doctor for treatment. You don't have to suffer alone, there is help!

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