Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

You can't explain why your mom,sister, friend, girlfriend or wife are getting mad at you without any reason?

 Many of us are not aware why woman are very moody sometimes, you don't understand what they really want, why are they so irritated and easily annoyed that you don't even know why are they reacting that way to you. Then suddenly they are doing fine again like nothing happens and every thing is back to normal. Well the answer is here. SHE is just having her PMS and you have to deal with it. You have to understand that it's a woman's nature.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  It is also called PMT or premenstrual tension this is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation and typically ending with the onset of her menstrual period. PMS symptoms occur 1 to 2 weeks at any child-bearing ages before women's period (menstruation or monthly bleeding) starts.  

       PMS Symptoms:

Changes in Mood or Anxiety

1. mood swings
2. irritability
3. headaches 
4. anxiety
5. angry outbursts
6.  tearful
7. depression
8. fatigue
9. insomnia
10. changes in libido
11. overeating
12. cravings, especially for salty or sweet foods
13. alcohol intolerance

Physical Changes

1. acne
2. hives
3. abdominal and pelvic cramps
4. bloating
5. weight gain
6. nausea
7. menstrual migraines
8. breast swelling and pain
9. edema (visible swelling, particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
10. asthma
11. sinus problems
12. sore throat
13. worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers

Changes in Attention

1. difficulty with coordination, being more prone to accidents
2. dizziness
3. decreased balance
4. heart pounding (palpitation)
5. fainting
6. urinary problem
7.  confusion or fuzzy thinking

There are over 200 symptoms of PMS but the first 3 symptoms that i have written here are the  most prominent  among women. These symptoms may vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle. Some woman may only have 2 symptoms and other can have 5 or more depending on how her body reacts with her monthly hormonal changes.

Causes:

The exact cause of PMS has not been identified. Changes in brain hormone levels may play a role, but this has not been proven. Women with premenstrual syndrome may also respond differently to these hormones.

Treatment :

A healthy lifestyle is the first step to managing PMS. For many women with mild symptoms, lifestyle approaches are enough to control symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids like water or fruit  juice   to help reduce bloating, fluid retention, and other symptoms but never drink soft drinks or other beverages with caffeine because these will trigger your headache.
• Eat frequent, small meals. If you don't have appetite to eat, or you feel nauseated. Leave no more than 3 hours between snacks, and avoid overeating.
• Eat a low-salt diet and avoid simple sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Have regular exercise throughout the month to help reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed if you have significant pain, including headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness.

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Patients who have severe anxiety are sometimes given anti-anxiety drugs.

Diuretics may help women with severe fluid retention, which causes bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain.