Most of us were not aware of What is PMS? but may have experienced abdominal pain, bloating, moodiness, or some other feelings. These are nothing but PMS Symptoms. Every girl has probably heard about this premenstrual syndrome from their ancestors during her first period. PMS is commonly known as Premenstrual syndrome, a medical condition that has symptoms that affect many women of childbearing age. Whether it may be cramps or emotional changes, there’s a lot you can go through when those three letters are thrown around. PMS is the combination of symptoms that some women suffer from a week or so before their period. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a real condition that millions of women struggle with every month. These symptoms usually occur 1 to 2 weeks before your period and disappear after you start bleeding. But these PMS Symptoms may vary from person to person and change slightly every month.
PMS Symptoms
PMS and Menstrual cramping are not diseases, but rather they are symptoms of poor nutrition. While not every woman gets premenstrual syndrome—the cramping, bloating, and general crabbiness that can strike around period time. Normally these should be mild and tolerable, but for many, they are quite disruptive. On an average, a woman may experience upto 450 periods in her lifetime which is triple the amount of our ancestors, who generally lived shorter lives and spent more time pregnant and nursing. And since more than 75 percent of women today deal with PMS symptoms during period, it is clear that a lot of women are experiencing the uncomfortable side effects of this natural biological process. These menstrual symptoms generally go away within the first 3 days of menstrual bleeding. Since it impairs the daily activities, nearly 30 to 40 percent of women were looking for the home remedies for PMS Cramps.
Also Read: Home remedies for menstrual cramps
Who Gets PMS?
Any women who have a period can get this. About 75 percent of women may get at least some form of symptoms before period. It is more likely in the late 20’s to mid 40’s and it may become more severe during the 40’s. So if you have PMS, one thing is for sure that you are not alone! Although not every girl gets them, Premenstrual syndrome symptoms can last through your period, too. Stomach pain before period really hurts and keeps us home from school or college or work and also interrupts our daily activities. If you have no PMS symptoms, then consider yourself as a lucky girl.
What are Common Symptoms of PMS?
For some girls during their periods, the world may seem completely contrary, and everything appears black, doom and gloom. They will often cry at the slightest thing without any reason. The Symptoms may differ from one to another. Some may get the symptoms before or during menses while some may face these PMS symptoms after period. Also, these Pms symtoms may be either physical or Psychological and behavioral. Here is the list of Common PMS Symptoms that most of the women face.
Physical symptoms
- Acne.
- Bloating.
- Headache.
- Back pain.
- Breast pain.
- Pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Insomnia (Trouble in sleeping).
- Nausea.
- Weight gain (up to 1kg).
Read more: Yoga to treat PCOS
Psychological or Behavioral symptoms
- Feeling upset or emotional.
- Mood swings.
- Anxiety.
- Crying.
- Angry or Irritation.
- Clumsiness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Tiredness.
- Restlessness.
- Confusion and forgetfulness.
- Appetite changes or food cravings.
- Loss of libido – loss of interest in sex.
- Decreased self-esteem.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a term that was used to define severe PMS symptoms. The conditions of PMDD usually follows the same cycle and range of symptoms but produces a more fatigue outcome. As depression is a common PMDD symptom, it is possible that a woman with PMDD may experience panic attacks, insomnia, and also have thoughts about suicide. PMDD can be particularly difficult to deal with as it can have a negative effect on your daily life and relationships.
What are the Symptoms of PMDD?
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Extreme anger and anxiety.
- Very low self-esteem.
- Decreased interest in usual activities.
- Sleeping much more or less than usual.
- Persistent sadness or Depression.
- Tension and irritability in the extreme level.
Types of PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome is classified into five types as per the Medical Science. There are more than 100 different Menstrual Cycle symptoms have been recorded. Most of us don’t know that there will be different types of PMS. Just go through each PMS type and select the ones the most appropriate based on your symptoms.
- PMS-A (Anxiety type): The symptoms of this type may be Nervous tension, anxiety, weepiness, mood swings and irritability. Periods can start suddenly and heavy with blood clots.
- PMS-C (Craving type): Women under this category will experience strong food cravings, particularly for chocolate or sweets, and increased appetite.
- PMS-D (Depression type): Depression, insomnia, unmindful, confusion, clumsiness, tearfulness, withdrawal, etc. are the symptoms for this PMS-D category. In severe cases, there may also be a risk of suicide. Just go for a Brisk walk of 30 min three times a week.
- PMS-H (Hyperhydration type): The Menstruation Symptoms for this type are water retention, breast tenderness, swelling, bloating, and weight gain. Women who fall under this category must eat foods like bananas, avocados, apricots which are rich in potassium.
- PMS-P (Pain type): Girls under this category may get pain especially in the Joints, Lower back, Abdomen or Head. The pain was mainly caused by the Pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Health Risks due to Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS can also sometimes worsen the symptoms of certain chronic conditions such as
- Asthma & Allergies.
- Migraine.
- Anxiety or Depression.
- Seizure Disorders.
Read more: Food Poisoning
Steps to Manage PMS
A Healthy lifestyle is the first thing to manage the symptoms of PMS. Do follow these steps and get rid of PMS Cramps.
- Always drink a plenty of fluids such as water or juice (not soft drinks, alcohol, or other beverages with caffeine) for reducing the bloating, fluid retention, and other symptoms.
- Prefer small meals. Eat frequently to avoid overeating and Do not go more than 3 hours between snacks.
- Have a balanced diet with extra whole grains, fruits and vegetables added and limited or no salt and sugar.
- Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods which keeps your blood sugar level even and thereby reducing the mood swings and food cravings.
- Exercise Regularly: A regular exercise can help boost your mood and fight fatigue. Just do some moderate physical activities for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Try Yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises to reduce the stress.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
- Reduce your weight: If you are overweight, Losing your weight might reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. A Daily walk or some simple exercises that burn calories may be beneficial.