Premenstrual syndrome [PMS] is a common condition that causes a group of symptoms prior [usually a week or two in advance] to menstruation. Common symptoms include emotional and physical changes like mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue, and others. Although the root cause of PMS is unknown, it is often linked to hormonal fluctuations during periods. Women can manage their PMS symptoms through a variety of treatments like dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and more. If symptoms don’t subside or disrupt daily activities, it’s best to consult a qualified gynecologist.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome [PMS] is an umbrella term that groups a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that women experience leading up to their period every month. Typically, these symptoms begin a week or two before the cycle and subside when the period starts.
PMS is an extremely common condition, in fact, it’s estimated that 75% of women in their reproductive age experience some PMS symptoms. Although it’s common, the symptoms and their severity can vary according to the individuals.
Related: Menstrual Disorders
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
Some of the common signs or symptoms of PMS include:
A. Emotional or Behavioral Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Shifts in appetites or cravings
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Low libido
B. Physical Symptoms
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Skin problems
It’s important to note that not all women experience the above symptoms. For some, it can be a minor inconvenience, while it can be more severe for others. When PMS symptoms are severe and interfere with daily activities, a more advanced form of PMS called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder [PMDD] may be diagnosed. PMDD is characterized by intense emotional and psychological symptoms that often require medical treatment.
What causes PMS?
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal fluctuations, namely the changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.
Here are some of the causes that may contribute to premenstrual syndrome:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Several studies have noted a strong connection between hormonal changes and premenstrual syndrome. Hormonal disruption, particularly a rise in estrogen and a fall in progesterone, may cause PMS symptoms.
Related: How 5 Essential Sex Hormones Regulate Women’s Lives - Serotonin Levels: Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Hormonal changes during periods may also affect serotonin levels, which may lead to emotional symptoms. Moreover, insufficient levels of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, fatigue, food cravings, and sleep issues.
- Sensitivity to Changes: Some women may be more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, thus making them vulnerable to PMS symptoms.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep may intensify PMS symptoms.
What is the Relationship between Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS] and Premenstrual Exacerbation [PME]?
Premenstrual syndrome [PMS] and premenstrual exacerbation [PME] are two conditions related to women’s menstrual cycle. Here are some key points to understand the relationship between PMS and PME:
- Both PMS and PME are related to mood problems prior to the period; however, they differ in symptom quality.
- While PMS triggers symptoms directly related to the menstrual cycle, PME refers to the premenstrual exacerbation or worsening of already existing disorders like depressive disorder or generalized anxiety issues.
- PME can impact many conditions, including migraine, asthma, eczema, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], bladder pain syndrome, and mental health conditions.
- In PME, the symptoms of mental health conditions that can be usually controlled can become more noticeable or challenging to control during the premenstrual phase. This is often called a “premenstrual breakthrough.”
- To accurately diagnose premenstrual disorders and differentiate PME from PMS and PMDD, it is essential to evaluate symptoms from at least two menstrual cycles.
In short, PMS and PME are conditions related to women’s menstrual health. While PMS triggers symptoms directly from the menstrual cycle, PME refers to the worsening of symptoms of another condition.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is Premenstrual Syndrome Diagnosed?
Typically, premenstrual syndrome is diagnosed by observing, recording, and evaluating a woman’s symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles. Some of the steps involved in diagnosing PMS are:
- Create a list of your key medical information, including other conditions you’re being treated and medications/vitamins/supplements you’re taking.
- Premenstrual syndrome can be diagnosed if the patient reports at least one of the following symptoms during the five days before the period during each of three earlier cycles:
Affective Symptoms: Angry outbursts, anxiety, confusion, depression, irritability, and social withdrawal.
Somatic Symptoms: Abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, headache, joint/muscle pain, extreme swelling, and weight gain. - It’s essential to keep a record of your symptoms as it can help your doctor identify if you have PMS. For at least two to three months, try to write and rate your symptoms every day. Record the dates of your period as well.
- In addition to tracking your symptoms, answering prospective questionnaires is another accurate method to diagnose PMS and PMDD.
In summary, PMS is usually diagnosed by observing and evaluating symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles.
Management and Treatment
Can PMS be cured?
Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that can be managed, but there isn’t a “cure” for it as it is related to hormonal changes and individual differences that are a normal part of every menstrual cycle.
How can I manage and prevent my PMS symptoms?
You can manage PMS symptoms through a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and, in some cases, medical intervention. Here are some effective ways to manage your premenstrual symptoms:
- Keep a Symptoms Journal: It’s recommended to start tracking your symptoms as it can help you and your doctor identify PMS, its pattern, and severity.
- Lifestyle Changes: [I] Regularly exercise to help reduce fatigue and depression [ii] Maintain a nutritious meal while reducing salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol to manage PMS symptoms [iii] Get adequate sleep to reduce irritability and moodiness [iv] Find healthy and sustainable ways to cope with stress.
- Medications: Consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, to reduce pain.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter pain relivers can also help reduce cramps, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness.
It’s essential to speak to your doctor before you consume any medications to combat PMS symptoms.
Dietary modifications that may reduce PMS symptoms
Dietary changes can play a crucial role in managing and alleviating symptoms of PMS. Some effective dietary modifications are:
- Increasing complex carbs [whole grains, legumes, starchy vegetables]
- Eating more calcium-rich foods
- Eating iron-rich foods
- Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables
- Adding Omega-3 fatty acids
- Adding magnesium-rich foods
- Getting more vitamin D
- Limiting caffeine
- Limiting salt intake
- Limiting alcohol
- Staying Hydrated
- Eating small yet frequent meals
Alternative treatments for PMS
There are several alternative treatments that may assist in managing PMS symptoms. If you’re interested in trying any of these approaches, it’s essential to consult your doctor for guidance, as the effectiveness of therapy may differ in individuals.
Some of the alternative PMS treatments include:
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medical practice, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to stimulate energy flow and healing. According to studies, acupuncture may help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, reduce stress, reduce the severity of PMS symptoms, and restore energy flow throughout the body.
- Herbal Remedies: Some women consider herbal remedies to alleviate PMS symptoms. Common remedies include using herbs like ginkgo, ginger, chasteberry, evening primrose oil, and St. John’s wort.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a form of individualized treatment that incorporates highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing. According to studies, homeopathy may be helpful in managing PMS symptoms by reducing extreme irritability, depression, mood swings, breast tenderness, uterus pain, body discomfort, and irregular menstrual cycles without causing any side effects.
Typically, homeopathic remedies are combined with other approaches like lifestyle changes and medications to achieve the best result. If you’re considering homeopathy for PMS, consult a qualified homeopath for guidance. - Dietary Supplementation: Certain supplements, like calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D, may help manage PMS symptoms. It’s important to consult with your doctor prior to taking supplements to ensure it’s right for you.
- Reflexology: Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that applies pressure to specific regions on the feet to promote healing and relaxation. According to research, reflexology may help manage PMS symptoms by reducing the severity of symptoms, reducing menstrual pain and cramps, promoting good health, and alleviating PMS symptoms. If you’re interested in reflexology for PMS, speak to a licensed reflexologist for guidance.
- Chiropractic Care: According to studies, chiropractic treatment is a safe, affordable, and effective option that alleviates back pain, bloating, cramping, loss of energy, and other symptoms of PMS. Although it cannot fully eliminate PMS symptoms, it can significantly reduce its severity.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic devices to monitor and control bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. It is a holistic approach that intersects aspects of the body and mind. According to studies, biofeedback, when combined with relaxation or meditation, may reduce symptoms of PMS, dysmenorrhea, and pelvic pain syndrome.
- Aromatherapy: A holistic treatment that utilizes essential oils, aromatherapy is another alternative treatment for treating PMS symptoms. According to studies, essential oils can help balance hormones, reduce inflammation and pain, promote relaxation, boost energy, and decrease the severity of psychological symptoms of PMS.
Some beneficial oils include Roman chamomile, cinnamon, clove, clary sage, lavender, fennel, rose, ylang-ylang, and geranium. If you’re interested in aromatherapy to treat PMS symptoms, consult a qualified aromatherapist for guidance.
Related: How Aromatherapy is Used to Treat Female Sexual Dysfunction
Exercises that Reduce Symptoms of PMS
Regular exercise is an effective way to manage and reduce PMS symptoms. Some of the recommended exercises are:
- Aerobic exercise
- Yoga
- Walking
- Pilates
- Light weightlifting
- Stretching
- Deep breathing
When Should I Consult My Doctor?
See your healthcare provider if you don’t experience relief from your PMS symptoms. It’s important to openly discuss your symptoms, their severity, and other concerns so that your doctor can assist you adequately.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Some of the important questions you can ask your doctor are:
- Could my symptoms be caused by conditions other than PMS?
- What are the various treatment options available to manage my symptoms?
- What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatments?
- What over-the-counter medicines can alleviate my symptoms?
- Is it safe for me to continue or begin a specific treatment if I am trying to get pregnant?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications I need to consider to better my symptoms?
- How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms?
- What are the signs that my symptoms may be worsening or indicating a deeper issue? And when should I seek immediate care?
- How often should I check up to monitor my PMS symptoms?
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
In summary, premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a common condition that affects women in their reproductive years. But on the bright side, it is definitely manageable. By implementing the recommended practices like exercise, dietary modifications, and others, you can reduce the PMS symptoms.
However, if you find that your PMS symptoms are severe and disturbing your life, it’s best to consult a specialist. For ladies in Dubai, Dr. Mozhgan is one of the region’s best OB-GYN specialists. Her commitment to care and knowledge in the gynecology field makes her a qualified healthcare professional. Dr. Mozhgan can provide invaluable assistance to help you manage PMS and improve overall health.
Common FAQs on Premenstrual Syndrome
Q1. What is the best treatment for PMS?
The best treatment for PMS varies according to individual symptoms and their severity. Some of the general treatments include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, medications, herbal remedies, supplements, etc.
Q2. How long does PMS last before I get my period?
PMS symptoms typically begin any time after ovulation and last until five days or so after the period starts. The exact duration of PMS symptoms cannot be estimated as it varies in individuals and cycles. Some women experience PMS symptoms for a few days, while others may experience them two weeks before their period.
