Breast Tenderness & PMS Symptoms

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, is a collection of symptoms presumed to be the result of changes in hormones prior to the start of the menstrual cycle. PMS can occur up to two weeks before the start of the cycle and symptoms can last through the end of the cycle. Symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some women never experience any symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms that can be treated easily at home.

Significance

PMS symptoms are common, however in some cases, symptoms are slightly outside of what is considered normal. Understanding what to expect allows a woman to know when to consult a doctor as a precaution if something is wrong. Severe symptoms of PMS could be an indication of a more severe form of PMS called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Typical PMS Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, common physical PMS symptoms include breast swelling or tenderness, headaches, backaches (particularly in the lower back), joint or muscle pain or soreness, bloating, stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acne, increases or decreases in appetite or food cravings. Other symptoms include feeling tired, having trouble sleeping through the night, difficulty concentrating, irritability or periods of sadness.

Atypical PMS Symptoms/Symptoms of PMDD

Similar to PMS, some physical symptoms of PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness or soreness, headaches, joint or muscle pain or soreness, food cravings or binge eating. However, the majority of PMDD symptoms are behavioral. PMDD symptoms include experiencing panic attacks or having feelings of anxiety, feelings of sadness with fits of crying, feelings of despair or suicidal thoughts, feeling irritable or angry most of the time, lost interest in daily activities and relationships and extreme tiredness. According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition," to be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must be exhibiting five or more of these symptoms during the week prior to her menstrual cycle to be diagnosed with PMDD.

Treatment

Typical PMS symptoms can be treated with lifestyle activities. Drinking 64 oz. or more of water daily will help with bloating. Exercising is helpful to bring hormones in balance and sweating will also help with water retention. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat any pain symptoms. Eeat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Get adequate rest at night; eight hours is recommended. Smoking can exacerbate symptoms, so try to refrain. Smoking should be avoided altogether if you are on birth control. PMDD symptoms are treated with some of these same methods. Confirmed cases may also be treated with antidepressants such as Zoloft or Paxil to restore balance to the brain chemicals.

Misconceptions

Many people believe that PMS "controls" a woman and causes her to act erratically. Although a woman's behavior may be affected by the physical symptoms she is experiencing, she is still the same person. In fact, many women don't experience any symptoms prior to or during their menstrual cycles. The shift in hormones is only a speculation as to the cause of PMS, therefore it is unfair to assume that a woman is "hormonal" if she feels slightly different when she has her period. If you're a woman, having a menstrual cycle doesn't mean that your life has to stop for five days. Treat yourself well and take the necessary steps to feel comfortable.