It is a condition that is associated with the menstrual cycle. It occurs a few days before menstrual cycle begins. PMS symptoms go away after a woman starts bleeding. Premenstrual syndrome may occur at any age. The effect of this condition may be different in different women. Symptoms experienced by women during premenstrual cycle may be different in different women. It may occur and bother women every month before the commencement of menstrual cycle. In some women, symptoms are very severe and it becomes too hard for them to get through this period.
Causes of Premenstrual syndrome
Exact cause of PMS is not known. There are different factors that can lead to this condition. The most important cause is believed to be the imbalance of the hormones that may occur during menstrual period. Change in hormones produce symptoms of PMS.
Excessive mental stress and emotional disturbances can also be related to this condition. Depression and anxiety can make the condition worse.
Lower immune system is also responsible for producing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Women who eat a lot of salty foods may also causes PMS symptoms as salty diet causes retention of fluid.
Drinking too much alcohol and caffeine can also produce adverse effects and can alter the levels of hormones thus producing discomfort before menstrual period?
Premenstrual symptoms
Women experiencing PMS may have both physical and emotional symptoms while they suffer from this condition. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Young girls experience acne and pimples due to imbalance of hormones.
- Breasts become heavy, sore and tender.
- Tiredness and fatigue may be present.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation may also occur.
- Headache and pain in the back are also common symptoms.
- Appetite decreases and some women experience cravings for particular foods.
- Pain in muscles and joints may occur.
- Memory weakness and difficulty in concentrating.
- Mood swings, irritability and tension may occur.
- Depression and anxiety are also present along with other symptoms of PMS.
Lifestyle changes to avoid Premenstrual syndrome
Women suffering from mild symptoms can make changes in their life to avoid the symptoms of PMS. By making suitable changes women can feel better. Some tips are given here that may help you to get relief from the problem:
- Regular exercise is very useful in avoiding the symptoms of PMS. Women should do regular exercise every week.
- One should eat a well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains to supply proper vitamins and minerals to the body. Eat small meals at short intervals of time.
- Drink more fluids such as juices and water to promote natural digestion and to avoid bloating in the abdomen.
- Avoid eating sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine before menstrual cycle has to start.
- Women should take proper sleep to get relief from mental stress and tension. One should adopt healthy ways to get rid of stress. Meditation, yoga and relaxation therapy helps to get rid of mental stress naturally.