Learn about Premenstrual Syndrome. A Quick Guide on Premenstral Syndrome

Here is an article on Premenstrual Syndrome which you may find interesting and informative:
 What is Premestrual Syndrome?

Premenstral syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms may occur in one or two weeks before menstruation or monthly bleeding in women. Often the symptoms clear up after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your normal activities at home, school, or work. Premenstrual Syndrome ends with Menopause (when monthly periods stop).

Premenstrual Syndrome can affect menstruating women of any age. The causes of PMS are not much clear. Some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress is not a primary cause but is believed to make the conditions worse.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimate, up to 40% of menstruating women report some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Most of these women have symptoms that are fairly mild and do not need treatment. About 5 to 10% of menstruating women have a more severe symptoms of PMS.

Diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms, both physical and emotional, when they occur.

What are the symptoms of Premenstral Syndrome?

• Anxiety, fatigue and trouble sleeping.

• Depression, irritable feeling, confused, rapid mood changes.

• Upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea.

• Cravings: food cravings, ; diary products including cheese, an on occasion, alcohol or food in general.

• Appetite changes or food cravings, usually for sweets or chocolate, weight gain.

• Heaviness or Headache: Fluid retention leading to headache, , abdominal bloating and .

• Joint or muscle pain.

• Headache, migraines, breast swelling and tenderness.

• Trouble concentrating or remembering.

Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think you have PMS, try keeping track of your symptoms for several menstrual cycles. You can use a calendar to note which symptoms you are having on which days of your cycle, and how bad the symptoms are. If you seek medical care for your PMS, having this kind of record is helpful.

What treatment is available for Premenstrual Syndrome?

No one treatment has shown to work for all in Premenstrual Syndrome. In not so severe cases healthier lifestyle may help in coping with symptoms and feeling better.

• Exercise, get good sleep, get healthy foods, quit smoking, and try to manage stress.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, excess salt and sugary foods especially when you are having PMS symptoms.

• Take adequate quantity of vitamins and minerals. You may take a multivitamin pill having sufficient quantity of folic acid, calcium and vitamin D.

• In cases of severe premenstral syndrome symptoms, drugs such as ibuprofen, diuretics, and antidepressants have shown to be helpful.

Premenstrual Syndrome is not due to abnormal hormone levels as may be believed, but some women respond to hormonal treatment. In some women taking up birth control pills to stop ovulation from occurring has resulted in good PMS treatment. There is medical evidence that serotonin (brain chemical) plays some role in severe forms of PMS. Treatment with antidepressants that alter serotonin in the body have also shown to be helpful in many women with severe Premenstrual Syndrome.