Premenstrual syndromes (PMS) affect many women who are in their reproductive years. Women with PMS experience a variety of physical and mental symptoms which can cause discomfort during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms begin around one to two weeks before a woman’s period begins and subside once it starts. Women can learn to recognize the symptoms and attempt to give some relief for them.

Personal Story

At the time, I was a homeschooling mom of three. My husband needed help moving the bookstore he managed to a new site. I felt like a working mother. I had to get the children to a friend’s house 30 minutes away from our home to play. Then I drove 30 minutes to the new store to work where I put merchandise on the bookshelves. By time I got back to pick up my children, my period had started, and I was bending over from the cramps I was having. The stress of the many changes in my life had taken its toll on my body. I was among the ranks of women who battled symptoms of PMS and I needed to understand my enemy!

Causes of PMS

The causes of PMS include hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, poor diet, inconsistencies of neurotransmitters or prostaglandins are among the possibilities. Emotional factors could be another cause.

Common Symptoms of PMS

Women with PMS present with both physical and emotional symptoms. Here are some examples:

Physical Symptoms

– Abdominal bloating, distension, and discomfort

– Abnormal appetite

– Breast swelling

– Cyclic weight gain

– Dizziness or fainting

– Fluid retention

– Insomnia or excessive sleepiness

– Joint pain and/or backache

– Palpitations

– Pelvic discomfort or pain

– Premenstrual acne

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

– Aggression

– Angry outbursts

– Anxiety

– Confusion

– Depression

– Forgetfulness

– Irritability

– Lack of concentration

– Moodiness/mood swings

– Nervous tension

– Poor judgment

– Restlessness

– Tearfulness

Weapons for Battling PMS

The strategy for managing PMS lies within each woman. There is no “one-plan-fits-all” solution that works for every woman. The symptoms can direct a woman to choose a remedy or attempt to manage them. Using a menstrual symptom questionnaire is helpful to find out where her attention could focus. Getting the correct diagnosis of the origin of the symptom is important.

The first line of defense for all women who experience PMS symptoms is making lifestyle and dietary changes. Diet, supplements, exercise, and stress management are weapons a woman of any age can use to support her body and fight off the symptoms. We will explore hormonal modulation in future posts.

There is a subgroup of women who have PMS who also have a serious mood disorder. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS which is suspected when symptoms are higher on the menstrual symptom questionnaire. These women may need antidepressant drugs to help battle their symptoms. They should seek professional health care support.

Women can battle PMS with the support of other women and/or their health care professional. They can win and have a wonderful life.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How have you won battles against PMS? Please encourage others by writing in the comment section above.