PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
PMS, a familiar word uttered by women most often these days. So, what about that? Hey! You need to know and understand what PMS is all about.
Just a few days before the start of the menstrual cycle, a certain kind of physical symptoms tied (most often) along with emotional feelings arises.
Almost 90% of women have experienced this dreadful ‘combo-feel’. This is called the Premenstrual Syndrome. This condition lasts for a few days and gradually dies down when the period sets in.
There is nothing good about this but you can handle them very well if you can keep your emotions under control, preferably with yoga and meditation, and follow a healthy diet regularly.
How is it like to experience PMS….
Well! The most common symptoms most women are experiencing are,
- Physical symptoms – Bloating, cramps, tender breasts, headache, backache, constipation/diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea
- Emotional symptoms – Mood Swings, food cravings, irritability, anxiety/tension, depression, lack of concentration, sleep deprivation, etc.
Do all menstruating women, irrespective of age, experience PMS?
Not really!!
The intensity of PMS is less than the age of 30. Some girls or women have no signs of PMS before their period but for others, it indicates mild to very severe symptoms.
Schoolgirls or working women may, sometimes, take a day off from their regular routine to take medication or simply rest to overcome the stressful conditions due to PMS.
Women, in the age of 30s most likely suffer from PMS. It gets a bit severe from the late 30s all along up to 40 (or more) when the women enter their menopause stage. During this stage, the hormone levels fluctuate drastically leading to very severe symptoms.
So, when does all this come to an end and peace set in??? It will when the menopause stage is over and the period stops forever!
There is no clear evidence for what causes PMS. Researchers have identified from survey studies and concluded that the fall in hormone levels after ovulation triggers these symptoms.
When the period starts the level rises again thereby returning to normalcy. Whatever be, the best way to stay focused and undeterred by these periodical hindrances is to keep yourself occupied with desired activities (hobbies) and practice meditation and yoga.
That’s fine! But are there other ways to overcome PMS? We have few suggestions listed below for you to practice and get relieved from PSM to a certain extent.
PMS Treatment
- Make exercise a regular activity throughout the month. Never stop during period. This will help you to improve your concentration power and gives relief from depression and fatigue.
- Maintain a healthy diet, especially a week before and during the period. This improves your stamina and increases your degree of tolerance over cramps. Leafy green vegetables (rich in magnesium, calcium and iron) help to get relieved from migraine headaches
- Stay well hydrated especially a week before and during the period. Avoid carbonated drinks. Eat water-rich fruits like melon and cucumber to get relieved from bloating and cramps
- Gentle massage with essential oils and applying heat with hot water bags on the abdomen helps greatly to get relieved from cramps
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Sleep well, Sleep long
- Practice suitable relaxation techniques/activities like deep breathing, slow walking, stretching and mild exercises
- Take energy supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium to get relieved from fatigue.
- Medication – Consult your doctor and take medicines to get relieved from cramps, aches, depression and anxiety.
Is it necessary to consult a doctor
-
If there is not relief and the intensity of the symptoms increases then you should not be a second thought. Call your family doctor or visit a gynecologist and get advice on time without delay. It is better to ensure that the discomfort is PMS symptoms only and no signs of any other adverse health conditions.
If you wonder what could be the serious health concerns if not PMS then, for your information, a few health conditions that need immediate attention and treatment are –
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Anemia
- Rheumatologic diseases
Takeaway
PMS – Not to worry! Understand your body behavior, observe and record the changes carefully and take appropriate measures at the right time and the right way! PERIOD!
Stay healthy, Stay Happy!!
