Premenstrual Syndrome

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 26-04-2021

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Do you feel like gunning down every person who even breathes near you during a few days of the month and then in a few days, you forget it all like nothing ever happened???

Such situations, if you observe, might arise just before you are drowned in that ‘crimson wave’ every month.

It might even be embarrassing for some women. Menstruation can take a toll on your relationships and your body as well. It can take you away from reality and make you feel unrelatable to your usual self. Such behaviour indicates a condition known as premenstrual syndrome.

Talk to Dr. Deepti Asthana, a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician in Gurgaon, and have a healthy time around your period.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome is a cyclic, repetitive occurrence of the same symptoms, which may be severe, be it physical or psychological and interfere with the smooth functioning of your daily activities. Premenstrual syndrome, generally, occurs one or two weeks prior to the advent of your periods. These symptoms have a strong relation to you nearing your menses. It can be seen affecting women in their late 20s to early 40s. PMS can have a major impact on 3 out of 4 menstruating women.

What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?

The symptoms can vary from person to person. They can be physical or psychological. Physical symptoms include

breast tenderness

fluid retention which causes bloating

joint pain

excessive breakout or acne

pain in the pelvic region back thighs

complete body ache along withheadache

Psychological symptoms are

Inability to concentrate

loss of appetite

mood swings

insomnia

loss of libido

irritability

crying spells

depression

social withdrawal

The symptoms vanish once the periods start or three-four days after.

PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is an amplified condition, which is seen in a few women who experience extreme bouts of anger, anxiety or tension. This condition requires immediate medical intervention.

What causes premenstrual syndrome?

There is no fixed reason that causes PMS but we can surely blame it on the hormones. As the expected period date approaches, levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogens rise up high in the body. They alter your general wellbeing, physically as well as psychologically. This typically begins in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Other factors which make the situation worse are vitamin deficiencies and mindless intake of caffeine or alcohol.

A few studies state that serotonin, a brain chemical, is also responsible for triggering PMS. As the serotonin level drops down, depression, tiredness & anxiety can set in. These symptoms are similar to PMS symptoms.

WHow can PMS be cured?

Simple lifestyle modifications can work wonders in cases of PMS. Diet modification like consuming smaller portions of food frequently (every 2 hours) will keep bloating away. Complex carbohydrates, high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Sugary and processed food should be avoided as they have a high glycemic index. Low sodium diet should be preferred as sodium causes water retention of fluid retention inside the body causing bloating. Chips and other savoury items should be kept away. Caffeine intake in the form of coffee, chocolate, tea, cocoa etc. should be limited. Keep yourself active for at least for 25 days a month. You can choose isometric exercises like walking, cycling, running or swimming here. Yoga can help you to relax the mind. Pranayama and meditation also alleviate various PMS symptoms like depression and mood swings. See to it that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of continuous sleep.

Menstrual magnification of disorders

A few health conditions like seizures, migraine, hypothyroidism, and depression can reach their peak if coupled with PMS. So, a proper discrimination of symptoms of these diseases, with and without PMS should be made, to plan a proper line of treatment. You can meet your doctor regarding the same situation.

Don't fret yourself with PMS. It can be treated easily. Meet your lady doctor today and do not let your PMS affect your daily productivity.