 Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
is what is known as the symptoms that
start 7 to 14 days before menstruation............ ...................
................thankfully the symptoms usually stop soon after the period begins.
Most women feel different levels
of discomfort before their periods. If you have premenstrual symptoms, you may feel so anxious, depressed or
uncomfortable.
Some women suffer insomuch that they struggle to cope at home or at work. Symptoms can be worse some
months and better others
Some of the symptoms of premenstrual symptoms are listed
below.
Bloated abdomen / Constipation
Depression and Crying spells
The heartbeat is faster
A feeling of hunger
Feeling irritable / tense
Feeling tired and anxious
Headache and Joint pain
Mood swings and a lack of interest in sex
Tender and swollen breasts
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Swollen hands or feet
Preferring to be alone
Weight gain
What's the cause of premenstrual symptoms?
It's not known for sure!
It seems to be linked in part to changes in hormone levels that take place during the menstrual cycle.
Contrary to what many people believe premenstrual symptoms is not caused by stress or psychological problems
although they may make the symptoms of premenstrual symptoms worse.
How do
we diagnose premenstrual symptoms?
Some doctors ask their patients to keep track of your
symptoms on a calendar. If those symptoms follow the same pattern it's likely to be premenstrual
symptoms.
You should ask your doctor to examine you to rule out other problems. They will talk to
you about your work or home life and discuss your eating and exercise habits.
How is
premenstrual symptoms treated?
Most women are aware that there isn't a cure for premenstrual symptoms. Eating a healthy diet
and regular exercise will be a great help. There are of course certain medicines that also
help.
Your doctor will consider advising you of possibly changing your diet and including an exercise routine and
depending on your symptoms, they may also prescribe medicines.
Some medicines work better than others so you may need to experiment. Some medicines
are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription. Prescription medicines may include
antidepressants diuretics or birth control pills.
As for the future? Other medicines are constantly being studied.
What are diuretics?
A diuretic is any drug that tends to increase the flow of urine from the body. They also decrease
the extra cellular fluid volume, and are primarily used to produce a negative extra cellular fluid
balance. You would normally take them prior to any expected premenstrual
symptoms.
What
about antidepressants?
For those women who suffer severe irritability, depression and anxiety,
some antidepressants may help. These
medicines are usually taken daily.
....and birth control pills?
Ask your doctor about taking birth control pills. They can
help ease some of your premenstrual symptoms by "balancing out" your hormone levels throughout your cycle and
many women find that their premenstrual symptoms improve drastically. Remember though, the pill may
cause side effects.
What about non prescription Medicines?
Non prescription medicines are available that can help with the symptoms of premenstrual
symptoms. Basically these medicines combine aspirin or acetaminophen with caffeine, antihistamines or
diuretics. Some over-the-counter pain relievers can also help and can work quite well for mild or moderate premenstrual
symptoms but do discuss this with your doctor before you try them.
What
might ease the symptoms?
.
Here are some tips on controlling premenstrual symptoms:
Eat complex carbohydrates including whole grain breads, pasta and cereals. Eat fibre and
protein and reduce your intake of sugar and fat. Avoid salt just prior to your period to reduce
bloating and fluid retention.
Reduce your caffeine intake. This will help you to feel less tense and irritable and help ease breast
soreness. Cut out alcohol. Alcohol before a period can make you feel more depressed.
Eat more small meals each day instead of less larger meals. Get as much sleep as possible--about 8 hours a
night and keep to a regular schedule of meals, bedtime and exercise. Avoid stressful events for the week after your
period.
Some people benefit from a vitamin regime and some don't. Supplements, such as vitamin B6, vitamin E and magnesium, can help relieve premenstrual
symptoms. Check with your doctor about possible side effects taking vitamins if you take more than the
RDA.
Taking calcium pills may reduce
symptoms of water retention, ramps and back pain. Taking about 1,000 mg of calciuma day
probably won't be harmful, especially because calcium has so many other benefits, such as being good for your
bones.
 As always, we offer an Audio Book suggestion that you can listen to
a sample of to see if you like it.
(Click the Image)
The information on this site is provided for information purposes and is in no way
intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is to focus on
overall health issues or strategies. For specific guidance regarding personal health questions,
we advise consultation with a qualified health care professional familiar with your particular
circumstances. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an
expert's care.
| 
