Acne breakouts, mood swings and bloating right before your periods? Well, if it continues for two cycles at least, you might be suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Globally, 5 to 8% women are affected by PMS according to a study by National Center For Biotechnology Information.
Often the symptoms are so severe that it can impair your daily routine. Read on to understand the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment of this condition, so that you are not overwhelmed once it sets in.
Symptoms of PMS
PMS can bring about emotional and physical changes in a woman. Here’s a look.
- Behavioral Signs
Some common premenstrual syndromes include food cravings, anxiety, depression, emotional triggers, insomnia, loss or change of appetite, anger, lack of concentration, irritability and libido loss. - Physical Signs
Headache, fatigue, muscle pain, acne, weight gain, alcohol intolerance, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating and sore breasts.
If these start having serious impacts on your daily life, it is best to see the doctor and seek PMS treatment.
Diagnosis of PMS
No tests can confirm the onset of PMS. However, doctors pay close attention to predictable patterns. The signs and symptoms must last for 5 days before the menstrual cycle begins and must take place for three consecutive cycles. The conditions must affect the woman mentally and physically and restrict daily activities. Lastly, the signs should disappear within 4 days after periods have begun. The health care provider would also want you to record the start and end dates of each cycle and when the symptoms are disappearing.
A few medical conditions like mood disorders, thyroid disorders and fatigue syndrome might overlap with PMS. Therefore, you might have to go for mood screening and thyroid function tests to confirm if at all it is premenstrual syndrome.
Treatment of PMS
There is no definite treatment for PMS. But there are ample ways to soothe the symptoms. Few medications to ease the discomforts are:
Hormonal contraceptives
These are used to put a check on ovulation to eliminate the symptoms.
Antidepressants
Depending on the severity of the condition, you might have to either take medications daily or two weeks before each cycle. The doctors prescribe certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline, fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Other methods of dealing with PMS symptoms are:
- Regular exercises to keep the mood better and also prevent bloating
- Intake of Vitamin D and Vitamin E and supplements rich in calcium and magnesium
- Getting minimum eight hours of sleep daily to reduce stress and anxiety
- Staying well hydrated to minimize abdominal bloating
- Going for counseling or stress management sessions
- Indulging in a caffeine free diet in case the symptoms are severe
PMS and its effect on your life can be anywhere from mild discomfort to debilitating. However, leading a healthy lifestyle and knowing when to see the doctor can help manage this condition.
