A premenstrual syndrome is a group of syndromes that occur during or before the start of menses in females. Most menstruating women have some form of menstrual syndrome. The symptoms occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle which is 14 or more days after the first day of the menstrual period. These usually go away 1 or 2 days after the menstrual period starts. It can be severe and debilitating. Premenstrual syndrome is a psychological or physical set of symptoms that affect daily living and an individual’s mental health and well-being. It is considered as a health condition that can benefit from changes in the lifestyle, treatment, and, sometimes, medication. It is a chronic condition that necessitates treatment when it occurs. Available treatment for premenstrual syndrome includes lifestyle modification and medicines.

This article lets us know the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of this debilitating condition along with treatment options that are available for people affected by it.

 

Here are a few key points before we go into the details of the article

  1. The condition disrupts life and affects the quality of life.
  2. PMS symptoms can be mild to severe.
  3. Symptoms are mostly experienced during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
  4. The symptoms can last until menopause.
  5. Symptoms are typically present during the week before menses and resolve in the first few days after the menstrual onset.
  6. Women suffering from PMS are often unable to function at their normal functional capacity, while symptoms are present.
  7. The condition can disrupt work and household chores. 

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Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome:

The exact cause of PMS is unknown. Changes in the hormonal levels or some kind of fluctuations are observed before the menses set it. It is a very common or natural process that causes the condition. Women with PMS may respond differently to different hormones. Most women experience PMS during the childbearing years.

 

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome:

Here are some common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

  1. Severe fatigue
  2. Lethargy
  3. Mood changes
  4. Depression
  5. Anxiety
  6. Restlessness
  7. Nervousness
  8. Crying and emotional sensitivity
  9. Difficulty in concentrating
  10. Heart palpitations
  11. Forgetfulness
  12. Abdominal bloating
  13. Cravings for sweets
  14. Increased abdominal pain
  15. Gastric upset
  16. Headache
  17. Backache
  18. Muscle spasm
  19. Hot flushes
  20. Dizziness
  21. Fainting
  22. Sleeplessness
  23. Vision changes
  24. Painful menses
  25. Decreased libido
  26. Heightened sensitivity
  27. Fluid retention
  28. Breast tenderness
  29. Swelling of hands and feet
  30. Weight gain
  31. Acne
  32. Inflammation
  33. Itching

 

It is suggested that PMS stems from an abnormal response to a woman’s fluctuation of normal hormones during a menstrual cycle

 

Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome:

Some symptoms of PMS are similar to those of other conditions so the doctor has to rule out other similar conditions while making the diagnosis.

A symptom chart is also used as a diagnostic feature to analyze any correlation between the symptoms and the menstrual cycle. For PMS diagnosis, the patient must experience at least five of the above symptoms.

Other symptoms include:

  1. Apathy to routine activities which may lead to social withdrawal
  2. Fatigue
  3. Difficulty in concentrating
  4. Changes in appetite
  5. Sleeping problems, insomnia
  6. Feeling overwhelmed or a lack of response

 

Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome

There are many treatment options available for premenstrual syndrome.

  1. Antidepressants
  2. Oral contraceptive pills, particularly containing estradiol, which have negating side-effects.
  3. Cognitive therapy to help control PMS
  4. Supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, and other supplements, such as evening primrose oil.
  5. Alternative treatment: Possible alternative therapies, such as yoga and acupuncture, might help.
  6. Diet and exercise: Reduce the intake of sugar and salt, and increase the consumption of protein and intake of complex carbohydrates. Exercise and stress management techniques help to view menstruation in a positive light and with a positive frame of mind.

Other strategies that may help include:

  1. Take it easy on the days leading to menstruation
  2. Talking to a partner or trusted friend
  3. Finding relaxation techniques that relieve tension, such as reading a book or watching a movie
  4. Speak to a health care provider or professionally qualified doctor if you experience symptoms of PMS. As the symptoms of PMS can be long-lasting, it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible

 

Homeopathy in PMS

Homeopathy is a good effective treatment to treat PMS, and it works by reducing the heightened sensitive response and calming down the hormonal fluctuations. It helps the body with it to treat PMS and not against it. It is not like Hormone Replacement Therapy where you are just supplementing the body with the same. Homeopathy respects your body’s response and provides effective treatment to work on the root cause. So, choose homeopathy for Premenstrual tension and get relief with the natural mode of treatment.

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