Premenstrual syndrome is a condition related to a woman's menstrual cycle that results in physical and emotional symptoms for many. Some lifestyle changes, including changes in diet and exercise, can ease the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome. Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter or prescription medications also provide relief for many.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
Many women experience physical and emotional changes during the period of time prior to their menstrual period. Premenstrual syndrome is a condition where a woman experiences physical discomfort, psychological distress, or emotional and behavioral changes between ovulation and menstruation during each of her monthly cycles. A wide variety of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome have been reported.
Note: The term PMS is an abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome, but is also frequently used to refer to general premenstrual symptoms not considered severe or frequent enough to be premenstrual syndrome.
Common Premenstrual Symptoms:
Keeping a record of your symptoms will help you recognize and identify a pattern and its' relationship to PMS. It is recommended that you record your symptoms for several months. Being aware of your symptoms is crucial in determining the steps to take in order to find relief.
Premenstrual syndrome can affect mood in a variety of ways, often causing anxiety, depression, irritability, hostility, aggression, or mood swings.
Physical symptoms include breast tenderness/swelling, backaches, water retention, fatigue, food cravings/thirst, weight gain, and joint pain.
Other premenstrual syndrome symptoms include heightened sensitivity to sound and smell, constipation, diarrhea, and dizziness.
There are also many additional symptoms that vary widely between individuals.
How Can Premenstrual Symptoms Be Treated?
Some lifestyle changes, including changes in diet and exercise, can ease the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome. Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter or prescription medications also provide relief for many. Some solutions for premenstrual symptoms are simple treatments that can be done at home, while others require consulting a physician. Consulting a physician will help you pinpoint your symptoms and the lifestyle changes or vitamins, supplements, and medications that will best relieve them. Below are some suggestions to take into consideration.