Much is heard about premenstrual syndrome, associated for years with the bad mood that women present , but the truth is that very few know about it. The symptoms and causes of this syndrome respond to very particular conditions. When it comes to women, we know that there are many enigmas, especially for men who cannot understand us. However, it is time for them to learn that science has dealt with solving the why of the nature of women.
You will probably know some of the signs that your period is about to arrive. For most women, the symptoms are not very strong, their breasts may feel more tender, or they may have a craving. But for others, the days before their period are more difficult. If your symptoms affect your daily life too much, you may have premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Your period is a natural part of your life and when you are menstruating, you can do anything you would do at any other time of the month. If the symptoms before your period hit you a lot, there are ways to improve it.
The symptoms of PMS are a group of changes that can affect you on many levels: They can be physical, emotional or behavioral. The changes occur 1 to 2 weeks before your period. And once the period comes, they leave.
Causes and symptoms of PMS
In the past many women had to deal with the symptoms of menstruation : discouragement, colic and cravings that we all suffer when the period comes. However, thanks to advances in science, today many of its symptoms have been diagnosed with the intention of preventing them. Thus, PMS affects fewer women every day.
First, we must answer: What is PMS? These are all those symptoms or changes that occur in the woman’s body just after ovulation. That is, during the second half of the menstrual cycle , its symptoms and duration may vary. Although they usually appear days before menstruation, until days after it. However, not all women suffer from this condition.
Specialists say that premenstrual syndrome only affects 40% of the female population , although, depending on the area, this percentage may rise a bit. Many women consider the symptoms of PMS normal and, therefore, do not seek an immediate solution, since those symptoms have also suffered their mothers, sisters and grandmothers.
Today, it is known that PMS can present in varying degrees, depending on the severity of the symptoms. For medicine, PMS can be mild or moderate . The woman, then, may present discomfort in the bust area, migraines and be irritable.
Now, when it comes to acute premenstrual syndrome , these symptoms increase and bring with them others, for example: Acute depression, unbearable colic and serious problems to socialize. For this reason, many women prefer to stay at home and not have contact with other people.
These types of cases are called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder , like a variety of premenstrual syndrome. Although fewer and fewer women suffer from these serious symptoms. Today very few women can choose to stay home during those days of the month. The role of women within society prevents them from taking that leave, since they must work, study or take care of their family, among other things.
How to identify premenstrual syndrome?
Do you want to know if you suffer from premenstrual syndrome? The most important thing is that you recognize each symptom and the exact moment in which they appear. This way, you can see if they correspond to your menstrual cycle. That is, before the arrival of the rule and days after its departure.
Although science has not yet discovered the exact causes of PMS, it is known that there are certain factors that can influence its appearance , but they vary in many women. It generally affects women in their 20s and 40s. Those who have had children and who regularly present depressive states are the most prone to PMS. It is even recognized that this syndrome can affect the sports performance of many women.
Also, when you are close to menopause, PMS can occur with greater regularity and severity. Remember that all this is caused by the hormonal changes that the female organism presents. Like the changes that occur in our menstrual cycle.
It is necessary to know that the emotional state of each woman can directly influence premenstrual syndrome. Women who live in eternal stress or very low spirits are the most affected. Defenses tend to drop suddenly , leading to more acute symptoms.
Most common symptoms
Each organism is different, not all women have the same symptoms. However, the most frequent of premenstrual syndrome, in mild or moderate degree are: stomach gas, dizziness, migraines, tenderness in various parts of the body (especially in the breasts), constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, colic in the lower belly, craving to eat, photosensitivity, discouragement, depression, constant tiredness and irritability .
Of course, not all women have all of these symptoms. It is necessary to know them to know how to identify them and thus take certain precautions in this regard. There are treatments that help decrease the signs of PMS.
Treatments for PMS
As we mentioned earlier, you should know what are the signs that may be related to premenstrual syndrome, in this way, you can prevent or attack them. We recommend that you keep track of your menstrual cycle . Through this control, you will be able to write down each symptom that you present and if they correspond to the beginning of menstruation.
Likewise, there are alternatives that you can implement so as not to change your routine and prevent PMS at the same time. For this, it is necessary that you drink a lot of fluids, consume food from time to time and in small quantities, during those days. Eating a balanced diet and incorporating fruits and grains help with this ailment.
Exercising frequently and taking vitamins and minerals are other ways to reduce symptoms. In addition, having a good sleep routine is essential , with 8 hours of pleasant sleep a day will be enough to be active during the day.
In this sense, medicine has also made progress regarding the use of contraceptive methods . These can help control PMS symptoms.
Finally, we must remind you that, before any symptom that bothers you more than it should, you should go to the specialist . When you cannot function normally due to some sign of PMS, it is best to go to the gynecologist. This one will make sure everything is okay. By following these simple recommendations, you can rule out any abnormality in your body and premenstrual syndrome will no longer be a problem.
