Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are common, and most women who experience them need no treatment for them. PMS signs and symptoms are sometimes so mild they can almost go unnoticed, but they can also be strong enough to warrant medical intervention. Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent and improve PMS symptoms.
Facts
PMS is influenced by a fluctuation in hormones. Women who have experienced postpartum depression or have family members who have experienced depression get PMS more frequently than other women. Three to 8 percent of women experience the severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. PMDD can cause panic attacks and induce feelings of committing suicide.
Significance
It is important that women, especially young women who are just starting to menstruate, know the signs and symptoms of PMS so they do not misinterpret these symptoms as a sign of illness. Knowing the signs and symptoms of PMS can also help a woman differentiate PMS symptoms from symptoms that a doctor may need to be check out.
Time Frame
The signs and symptoms of PMS usually start to appear one to two weeks before menstruation starts and commonly disappear once menstruation begins. A woman does not have to be a certain age to experience the signs and symptoms of PMS, they occur only in women who get their period. PMS usually occurs every month in women who experience its signs and symptoms.
Identification
The signs and symptoms of PMS are many and include stomach upset, headache, stomach bloating, cramps, fatigue, tender breasts, irregularity, bouts of sobbing, depression, accelerated heartbeat, feeling hungry, stress, moodiness, anxiety, insomnia, painful joints, forgetfulness and concentration problems. Some women have one or more of these signs and symptoms, while others do not experience any. Premenstrual signs and symptoms may be mild one month and strong, or stronger, another month.
Prevention/Solution
Consume healthy, whole-grain bread, pasta and cereal to lighten PMS symptoms. Also eat foods that contain fiber and protein. Reduce your intake of sugar, fat and caffeine, and avoid eating salt the week before getting your period. Make your meals small and more frequent instead of large and less frequent. Exercise on a regular basis, sleep at least eight hours every night, find ways to relieve stress and stop smoking, if you smoke. Talk to your doctor about these changes, so he can create a diet and exercise plan specific to your needs.
