Showing posts with label symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2011

What Are Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, Causes and Treatment?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a combination of various symptoms that is experienced by women. These symptoms can include tenderness in the breast, mood swings, depression, anger, increase in appetite, bloating and many others. PMS is common in women and it tends to be more in women who are in their late 20s and early 30s. The symptoms which can be physical or psychological tend to show around the time of ovulation and remain till the menstruation begins. The intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary every month and can be different in every woman.

The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are as follows:

Physical Symptoms:

1. Abdominal bloating
2. Acne flare ups
3. Constipation or diarrhea
4. Fatigue
5. Weight Gain
6. Breast Tenderness
7. Headaches
8. Joint pains

Emotional Symptoms:

1. Mood swings
2. Over sensitivity
3. Tension
4. Anxiety
5. Appetite changes
6. Change in sleep pattern
7. Depression
8. Lack of concentration
9. Crying

These are some of the common premenstrual syndrome symptoms felt by most of the women. For many, these signs disappear as the menstruation begins and they feel better. In some cases these symptoms are very severe causing them to affect their daily functioning.

Causes - Some of the causes of PMS are as follows:

1. Hormonal changes: Premenstrual syndrome is mainly associated with hormonal changes in the body. These imbalances or changes are responsible for the mood swings and related variations in the woman. Once the balance is maintained again, the symptoms start disappearing.

2. Depression: Depression alone cannot result in all the symptoms, but sometimes depression is responsible for causing severe PMS symptoms.

3. Diet: Dietary habits like intake of poor nutrition food and food with low levels of minerals and vitamins have been linked to PMS. Eating of high salty foods can cause fluid retention and bloating. Drinking of caffeinated beverages and alcohol may cause low energy.

4. Chemical changes: Changes in neurotransmitter could trigger premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Fewer amounts of brain chemicals secreted may cause depression and depression.

5. Stress: Stress can definitely aggravate the PMS condition.

It is best to keep a record of the symptoms every month so as to recognize these as PMS symptoms. Since the range of premenstrual syndrome symptoms is very wide, it is difficult to diagnose these symptoms. However, maintain a track of the symptoms around the ovulation till the onset of periods. The treatment of this condition is possible with medications and some lifestyle changes.

Treatment - The medications available for this condition are as follows:

1. Anti inflammatory: These pills can be taken before or when the period starts to get relief from discomfort and pain.

2. Anti depressants: These drugs help reduce fatigue and disturbances in sleep pattern.

3. Oral Contraceptive Pills: These pills cease ovulation and are effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

4. Diuretics: Diuretics aid in shedding the excess water by urination and thereby reduce swelling and bloating in the body.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help in this condition are:

1. Diet: Eat a healthy and nutritious diet rich in minerals and vitamins.
2. Exercise: Regular moderate exercising can help improve your overall health.
3. Limit salt intake.
4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
5. Get plenty of rest and sleep.
6. Practice yoga for relaxation and meditation regularly.

Understanding what premenstrual syndrome is beneficial for women in order to recognize the symptoms and overcome the discomfort.

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Premenstrual Syndrome PMS Symptoms, Treatment and Natural Remedies

Premenstrual syndrome also known as PMS in women is a collection of symptoms which are related to the menstrual cycle. These symptoms may involve physical factors or emotional factors. It is basically a combination of these factors and mood variations that occur after the ovulation till the onset of the menstrual flow. A form of premenstrual syndrome is premenstrual dysphoric disorder in which there is a significant loss of functions due to severe symptoms.

PMS is very common and about 80 percent of women experience it. There are many symptoms related to it making it difficult to figure out what exactly causes PMS to occur. The most common reason is the disturbances in the level of hormones or the interactions between the hormones and the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Symptoms - The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can vary widely from woman to woman. These symptoms can differ in duration and intensity. The symptoms can be physical or psychological. Some of the physical symptoms of PMS are given here:

1. Bloating: This often affects women as they experience bloating due to fluid retention.

2. Weight Gain: Many women gain weight in this period.

3. Sleep Pattern: Many feel the sleep pattern changing during this time. Some may sleep too much and some too little.

4. Fatigue: Some feel tiredness and fatigue.

5. Appetite: There may be appetite changes in some women leading them to over eat or have certain cravings.

6. Tenderness of Breast: This is one of the premenstrual syndrome which women undergo.

Some of the emotional related symptoms are as follows:

1. Tension
2. Oversensitivity
3. Mood Swings
4. Anxiety
5. Depression
6. Irritability

One can recognize these premenstrual syndrome symptoms if you keep a track of the changes that occur during ovulation. Ovulation is usually around the mid cycle. If these changes occur around this time and remain till the menstruation begins, they are PMS symptoms.

As the diagnosis of PMS is difficult to make, so is the treatment. Various approaches and treatment may be used to treat premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Also each woman may need a different method and what works for one may not work for the other.

Treatments - Some of the suggested treatments and natural remedies for PMS are as follows:

1. Exercise: This is one treatment which is beneficial for women. Mild to light exercise if done regularly will provide much relief from these symptoms.

2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol intake.

3. Cut down on the intake of refined foods, sugars and fried food.

4. Avoid intake of salt in your diet especially before the menstrual periods.

5. Medications: There are various medications available to treat premenstrual syndrome. Pain killers, anti depressants, diuretics and oral contraceptive pills work for some people. The painkillers help reduce the discomfort and pain caused while the diuretics help to increase the rate of production of urine which eliminates the excess fluid. Anti depressants are given to control the mood variations in women.

The above treatments may be effective for treating premenstrual syndrome without using medications if followed regularly. A proper healthy diet and regular exercise can ease off the symptoms. However in some women, medications might be necessary to curb the problem.

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