Signs and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Many women have mild symptoms related to menstruation, such as cramps and breast tenderness. These symptoms are considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle. A diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is defined as a distinct clinical entity characterized by a cluster of physical and psychological symptoms limited to 3-14 days preceding menstruation and relieved by onset of the menses. However, PMS can cause temporary yet excruciating symptoms that are severe enough to disrupt a woman’s life.

Many physical and psychological symptoms have been attributed to PMS. Symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman. A generally stressful life and problematic relationships may be related to the intensity of physical symptoms which include physical changes such as breast swelling, water retention, bloating, weight gain, and acne; mood and behavior changes such as irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, decreased sex drive, and aggression; painful symptoms such as headaches, breast tenderness, and muscle aches; and other symptoms such as food cravings, lack of energy, and sleep disturbances.

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS is a combination of symptoms that occur before the onset of menstruation and subside just when the menstrual flow occurs. The cause is unknown, yet there has been a tendency to link the disorder with endocrine imbalances such as hyperprolactinemia, estrogen excess, and alteration in the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio. A theory suggests that these imbalances affect serotonin levels in the body, which directly affect the way we move, feel, behave and even think. Serotonin sustains your interest in and energy for emotional, cognitive and behavioral processes. A rise or fall in the level of serotonin has a serious side effect in the body. Other hormones may also be involved. Estrogen stimulates anxiety and nervous tension while increased progesterone levels may produce depression. Dietary factors may also play a role because carbohydrates may affect serotonin. Other causes of PMS include:

• Drop in progesterone just before menstruation
• Vitamin B-complex deficiency may lead to estrogen excess causing an abnormal ratio between estrogen and progesterone
• Poor renal (kidney) clearance leading to water retention or hypoglycemia, causing a surge of adrenalin and low calcium levels and interference with serotonin synthesis
• Biogenic amine neurons are abnormally affected by changes in hormones
• Abnormal prostaglandin activity

How to Prevent PMS

• Eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours. Include plenty of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. Limit fats and sweets, and reduce salt to help limit bloating.
• Eliminate tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. This may help relieve some symptoms.
• Exercise regularly to help minimize PMS symptoms.
• Reduce your stress level as much as possible. Try yoga or other relaxation techniques.
• Try taking calcium (1,200 mg daily), magnesium (400 mg daily), or Vitamin B6 (no more than 100mg daily). These may improve your mood, reduce fluid retention and pain, and help with other PMS symptoms.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for PMS Treatment

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