What is PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?
All content within this page has been reviewed by
Dr Tariq Miskry, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
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What is PMS? Every girl asks this question during puberty! It was known as premenstrual tension, which can manifest itself in many different ways - most commonly physical symptoms, but can also be joined by emotional and psychological ones. Learn all about premenstrual syndrome and its most common symptoms.
Table of content:
So, What is PMS?
What does PMS mean? PMS is a collection of cyclical physical, mental and emotional symptoms that primarily affect women of childbearing age, usually between 20 and 40 years of age. A key role in premenstrual syndrome is played by hormonal fluctuations that occur in women between ovulation and the first menstrual bleeding. In some, these symptoms may also persist during the initial menstrual phase. The exact cause of PMS in unknown but the normal hormonal changes during the cycle trigger receptors to send signals resulting in symptoms which can significantly impact quality of life. In severe cases PMS is called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which is now recognised as a disease entity.
Find out why you crave chocolate before your period!
When does PMS start?
Premenstrual syndrome occurs approximately 7-12 days before the onset of menstruation. However, it has a very individual course - it is different in every woman.
Does PMS change with age?
PMS probably affects most women over the age of 30. With age, its symptoms can get worse.
What are the Symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms appear before your period starts (as many as five days) and will disappear during your period. Symptoms can affect your body and your brain, and their intensity can vary a lot from girl to girl. (As if you don’t have enough to deal with.)
Today, up to about 80% of women struggle with at least one of the characteristic symptoms of PMS, but this does not significantly affect their daily functioning. What are PMS symptoms? Symptoms are divided into mental, emotional and physical.
Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms of PMS
The emotional, psychological symptoms of PMS include many symptoms. The most common premenstrual symptoms (PMS):
- Mild depression
- Angry outbursts
- Mood swings, increased tearfulness and apathy
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability, nervousness
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety disorders
- Feeling out of control of one's own life
- Loss of self-confidence
- Sleep disturbances
Find out more: why you're tired before your period?
Physical signs and symptoms of PMS
In addition to psychological symptoms, a woman may also experience physical symptoms. Some of these can be very strong and annoying. Examples of premenstrual syndrome symptoms:
- Cramps
- Backaches
- Breast tenderness
- Skin problems
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite
- General weakness
What Causes PMS?
The bad news is that no one really knows the exact reason. What doctors and scientists do know is that it’s related to the way your body’s hormones change through your monthly cycle. This is due to the fact that the ovulatory cycle causes hormone fluctuations particularly in the second half of the menstrual cycle following ovulation. Estrogen and progesterone both rise and then fall prior to menstruation. It is also likely that during this period of the cycle, neurotransmitter dysfunctions can occur, especially serotonergic pathways that affect our mood.
Watch this video and get the answers to all the questions about the premenastrual symptoms.
Who Gets PMS?
The Mayo Clinic estimates about 75 percent of women get at least some form of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. So if you have PMS, one thing’s for sure – you’re not alone! Although not every girl gets them, PMS symptoms can actually last through your period, too. If you don’t get them, consider yourself lucky. PMS occurs during the female reproductive age, i.e. from the first to the last menstrual period.
How is PMS diagnosed?
The most important thing in diagnosing PMS is to observe yourself and your body. It is also helpful to rule out other causes, such as a thyroid disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome if your cycle is irregular - these can produce symptoms that are often confused with PMS. You should then see a specialist for diagnosis. It is also worth remembering that PMS symptoms disappear during pregnancy and after the menopause.
What can you do to manage PMS?
Pre-menstrual dullness and irritability associated with PMS is best alleviated with exercise - it is PMS natural remedies. Favourite physical activity helps to relax and also increases the level of happy hormones, which leads to an improved mood. For some women, thick mucus that stains underwear also becomes very problematic. It often has the consistency of a jelly - in such cases, it is advisable to use suitable hygiene products. In addition to this, if you are not coping with PMS, it is also worth using the other solutions outlined below, which give PMS relief.
Medications and hormone treatments for PMS
Unfortunately, no medication has yet been developed to completely eradicate the symptoms of PMS. Attempts can be made to treat it:
- antidepressants - In extreme cases, when symptoms worsen and make daily life very difficult. You should then see your doctor, who will carry out the applicable tests and select the appropriate preparations.
- birth control pills and other hormonal treatments - these contain hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Vitamins, minerals and supplements for PMS
In addition to exercise, natural methods to alleviate PMS include diet, which allows for adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation. PMS symptoms can be helped by:
- B vitamins - so eat as much whole-grain bread, nuts, eggs, bananas and spinach as possible,
- Vitamin E - you can find it in nuts, sunflower, avocado, olive oil,
- Magnesium - supports the tonic effects on the nervous system, you will get it in your body by consuming brown rice, peanuts, almonds and dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa,
- Potassium - helps regulate the body's water balance. It helps to reduce the abdominal circumference that is enlarged during PMS; sources of potassium are mainly tomatoes and bananas.
Lifestyle changes for PMS
During PMS, it is a good idea to limit certain products and also make permanent changes to your lifestyle - what gives PMS relief. For example:
- Limit excessive salt intake - this retains water in the body, leading to swelling and a slight increase in weight,
- reducing cholesterol - which enhances the production of oestrogen, its reduction, can affect the psyche,
- Limit alcohol consumption - alcohol can impede the absorption of vitamins and minerals needed to alleviate PMS,
- Exercise - it is worth practicing yoga, which increases the mobility of the body and helps to stretch, and it is worth doing aerobic exercises - these help to defuse all anger and irritability.
Feeling uncomfortable during your period? Try wearing Always Platinum period pads with wings, designed to provide you not only with the effective protection thanks to the enhanced core with great absorbency. They are also designed to be as comfortable as possible - that's why they have two-layer top sheet made of soft non-woven material with hundreds micro-cushions, serving as leakage barriers.
