Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms & Treatment
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition that is common in young and middle-aged women, and as many as three out of every four women have experienced it at some point in their life. The symptoms for this tend to recur in a predictable pattern linked to one’s periods, and the spectrum of emotional and physical changes experienced can range from slightly noticeable to severe.
Symptoms may be related to emotional changes and physical symptoms and in some women, the symptoms may impact their lifestyle and relationships. To control the condition of Premenstrual Syndrome in your life, it is important that you consult a doctor who will advise you regarding the different treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that may help.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) all about?
As the name suggests, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) are symptoms that a woman faces, typically starting a week or more before her period is due. The symptoms aren’t unique to PMS, but it is the timing of the symptoms that suggests the condition. The symptoms get better once her period has started and it recurs each month.
While the cause of this condition is still not clear, it is believed to be related to fluctuations in a woman’s hormonal levels.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome tend to vary from one woman to another. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Emotional Symptoms: These include symptoms such as confusion, depression, angry outbursts, fatigue, stress, moodiness, irritability, insomnia, crying spells, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal and lack of confidence.
- Physical Symptoms: These include symptoms such as breast tenderness, muscle and joint pains, feeling bloated, headaches, acne, change in appetite and abdominal pain.
Easing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can be tackled with simple-to-follow routines like:
- Drinking lots of water
- Incorporating a balanced diet that is rich in fibre, vegetables and fruit and low in salt, sugar and caffeine
- Exercising regularly
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Treatment
Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) depends on whether you experience mild or severe symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, you can get relief by making changes to your lifestyle or diet. However, if the symptoms are not relieved, it is advisable to get in touch with a healthcare expert.
While most symptoms of PMS are reduced with the start of your periods, the condition may be associated with disabling symptoms each month. Such cases of PMS are called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and will require the help of a medical professional. As part of the treatment for PMS, our doctors at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai will collect the necessary details about your clinical history of depression and mood disorders related to your periods. Also, other tests like a thyroid function test and a pregnancy test may be advised, and a pelvic exam will be carried out. Medicines that may be prescribed and are sometimes helpful are the combined oral contraceptive pill, progesterone or a diuretic that will help reduce the bloating
