What Is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a cluster of symptoms that usually show up each menstrual cycle a week or two before your period. About 80% of women report having at least one PMS symptom each month. PMS can impact you in many ways. Your symptoms can be physical, mental, or behavioral. Once your period starts or soon after, PMS symptoms usually go away.
🚩PMS vs. PMDD
If your premenstrual symptoms are so intense that they greatly affect your daily life at home or work or your relationships, you may have a more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD affects about 2% of those who menstruate. PMDD symptoms are more intense, especially in terms of mood, anger, and anxiety. PMDD is a long-term and serious condition that needs medical attention.
Symptoms
Most women only experience a few of these problems.
Physical signs and symptoms
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weight gain related to fluid retention
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Alcohol intolerance
Treatment
💊 Medications
• Anti pain
• Hormonal birth control
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
Lifestyle changes
• Regular exercise 🏃♀🏊♀🧘♀: Moderate cardio exercise (running, brisk walking, cycling or swimming) for 30 minutes a day can relieve stress and boost your mood. The benefits last beyond the 30 minutes.
• Healthy diet🥗: Eat fewer salty, fatty, and sugary foods, and drink fewer caffeinated and alcoholic beverages two weeks before your period.
• Plenty of sleep: Getting at least eight hours of sleep can reduce feelings of irritability.
• Relaxation exercises: Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises relieve stress and combat the irritability and sadness that often accompany PMS.
Vitamins, minerals and supplements
• Calcium: You can get calcium from dairy products (milk, eggs, yogurt), foods with calcium added (some cereals and bread) and supplements.
• Magnesium: You can get magnesium from leafy greens, nuts, whole grains and supplements.
• Vitamin B6: You can get Vitamin B6 from fish, poultry, potatoes, non-citrus fruits and supplements.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6: You can get Omega-3 and Omega-6 from fish, flaxseed, nuts, leafy greens and supplements.