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What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. According to the Office on Women Health (https://womenshealth.gov/), as many as three in four women say they get PMS symptoms at some point in their lifetime. Most women, over 90%, say they get some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, and moodiness. For some women, these symptoms may be so severe that they miss work or school, but other women are not bothered by milder symptoms. On average, women in their 30s are most likely to have PMS.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
PMS symptoms are different for every woman. Your symptoms may also change throughout your life. PMS can be both emotional and/or physical, but some common symptoms include:
- Cramps: Painful muscle contractions in the uterus, often felt in the lower abdomen, which can range from mild to severe.
- Mood swings: Rapid and unpredictable shifts in emotional state, including irritability, sadness, or sudden outbursts.
- Swollen or tender breasts: Increased breast tissue sensitivity and swelling due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Tension or anxiety: Feelings of unease, worry, or nervousness, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness.
- Headache or backache: Pain in the head or lower back, often attributed to hormonal changes and muscle tension.
- Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little): Disruptions in sleep patterns, leading to either excessive drowsiness or insomnia.
- Changes in appetite: Fluctuations in hunger, including increased cravings or a decreased desire to eat.
- Less interest in sex: A reduced libido or sexual desire, potentially linked to hormonal shifts and physical discomfort.
Why do you get PMS?
Researchers do not know exactly what causes PMS. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a role. These changing hormone levels may affect some women more than others.
Managing PMS:
To ease PMS symptoms, consider incorporating regular exercise, stress-reducing activities, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep into your routine. Tracking your cycle can also really help you understand and manage your symptoms. Apps like Glow make this easy, offering mobile tracking, personalized PMS alerts, and the ability to log symptoms like pain and mood changes, which can help you spot patterns from cycle to cycle
Medical treatments:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, can alleviate physical PMS symptoms like cramps, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness. Some women find that preemptive use, starting just before menstruation, can minimize pain and bleeding.
For those experiencing inadequate relief from over-the-counter options, prescription medications may be considered. Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, can regulate hormone levels and reduce PMS symptoms. In severe cases of mood-related symptoms, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed. While some studies suggest potential benefits from calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 supplements, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before initiating any supplement regimen.
Medical advice should be sought when PMS symptoms significantly disrupt daily life. A healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate treatment plan and rule out underlying medical conditions.
