What Is PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a blanket term for a variety of symptoms. These symptoms, which can be both physical and emotional, are caused by hormonal changes in your body. They can occur anywhere from two days to two weeks before your menstrual period begins.
What Are The Symptoms?
PMS differs from one woman to another. Common symptoms include:
- tension
- irritability
- stomach cramps
- fluid retention
- weight gain
- anxiety
- depression
- food cravings
- backaches
- headaches
- breast tenderness
- difficulty concentrating
Some women experience several of these symptoms while other women experience only one or two. Likewise, PMS symptoms can be fairly mild for many women while for others they are severe enough to disrupt everyday life.
What Is Not PMS?
Remember, the term Premenstrual Syndrome only covers things that happen before your menstrual period begins. Things that happen on the first day of your period, such as stomach cramps, upset stomach, or even vomiting, are part of your menstrual period. They are not PMS.
What can I do about PMS?
There is no cure for PMS. However, there are steps you can take to reduce PMS symptoms and make your life easier.
- Change your diet. The first step is reduce your consumption of salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. All of these seem to make PMS symptoms more frequent and severe. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole wheat breads, cereals, and pasta. Above all, drink more water!
- Reduce stress. PMS seems to take stress you are already experiencing and make it worse. Reducing or managing stress is one way to make PMS less intense. Make a list of areas in your life where you experience stress. Think of steps you can take to reduce stress, especially when you know your period is near. For example, to avoid being rushed in the morning, try picking out your clothes before you go to bed. Leave early for work to avoid rush hour traffic. Of course, there is stress you cannot avoid. You can learn to manage this stress, however, by stretching exercises, recalling a happy memory, or listening to soothing music.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is an excellent way of reducing stress and raising your energy level. Regular exercise means three to five times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each time. Even a walk after dinner can help to reduce stress.
Should I See My Doctor About PMS?
For some women, PMS symptoms may be so severe they may want to talk to their doctor. Before doing so, try keeping a diary of two menstrual cycles in a row. (A menstrual cycles starts the first day of your period.) In your diary, list your PMS symptoms and the day they occur. Rate them according to whether they are mild, moderate, or severe.
Also in your diary, write down each day you exercise for 20 minutes or more. Keep a record of everything you eat and drink, including snacks, for three days. This record is separate from the previous one. Make sure you write down exactly how much you consume of coffee, tea, cola, and alcoholic beverages. Bring these diaries with you when you visit your doctor or healthcare provider.
Your physician can help you decide what response would be the most appropriate for dealing with your PMS.
For more information about these and other women’s health issues, call UT Medical Group at 901-448-6610.
