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What is PMS?
PMS is short for premenstrual syndrome, a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience before their menstrual cycles.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can be physical or emotional. There are as many as 150 symptoms in all, but some of the most common include abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and swelling, water retention/weight gain, backache, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, food cravings, irritability, anxiety, crying spells and sadness, mood swings, confusion, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness and trouble staying on task.
Why do I get cramps?
Experts believe that the cramps that take place before your period begins are caused by fluctuating levels of prostaglandins or hormones that make the muscles of the uterus contract. Exercise and over-the-counter pain killers can help.
How long do symptoms normally last?
The symptoms of PMS usually begin 5 to 11 days before the start of menstruation and stop when menstruation begins or a day or two after. If your symptoms begin earlier, such as 2 weeks before your period starts, it could be an indicator of PMDD.
How common is PMS?
It is estimated that 70% to 90% of women who menstruate experience some form of PMS, and 3% to 8% have symptoms severe enough to disrupt their lives, a condition known as PMDD.
What causes PMS?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome, but they generally agree on the contributing factors. One important trigger is considered to be fluctuating levels of hormones (specifically estrogen and progesterone). Some women are more sensitive than others to changing levels of hormones, which may make them more prone to premenstrual symptoms. Another trigger is thought to be low levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. When serotonin levels dip, premenstrual moodiness, fatigue and food cravings seem to be affected.
My mother had PMS. Can it be genetic?
Researchers have noticed family patterns of PMS, which suggests a genetic tendency to have premenstrual symptoms. This is true in some but not all cases.
Isn’t PMDD just severe PMS?
Women with PMDD tend to have stronger physical and emotional
symptoms that start earlier. These emotional symptoms are also often
severe enough to interfere with relationships and hamper their ability
to function. The old-school advice of “toughing it out” when you’re
experiencing premenstrual symptoms is unpleasant and impractical enough
when you have PMS. With PMDD, doing nothing is simply not an option.
What if it’s not PMS or PMDD? What if I’m clinically depressed?
All the more reason to see your healthcare provider soon. Only he or she can help you make that determination. However, the strongest indicator that feelings or sadness, worthlessness and isolation are PMS or PMDD related is timing. If your “down” times are hormonal, you won’t normally experience those feelings during the first two weeks of your cycle. Then, somewhere between ovulation and menstruation, the negative emotions will return. This is one of the reasons many healthcare providers like their patients to fill out some sort of symptom tracker so that the monthly onset of emotional symptoms can be documented.
What can I do to control PMS?
You can manage the symptoms of PMS in a variety of ways: lifestyle changes (eating complex carbohydrates, getting some brisk exercise most days of the week, staying away from salt, sugar and fats, etc.); nonprescription medications that relieve pain and/or bloating; or prescription medications including diuretics, oral contraceptives and SSRIs. Some women also turn to various alternative remedies.
Is there any way to get rid of PMS?
While there is no “cure” for PMS, there are a variety of therapies
for premenstrual symptoms. Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet
or exercise routine, over-the-counter pain medications or prescription
medicines. All of these can help relieve your symptoms.
My symptoms are really bad. Could it be something other than PMS?
If you experience severe emotional symptoms, such as sadness, irritability and/or mood swings so strong that they interfere with your relationships, social responsibilities, work or school, you could have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider if this is the case.
How do I talk to my significant other about PMS?
Usually, family and friends – boyfriends and husbands, too – are grateful to know what’s going on. Your changing moods may have been a mystery to them. If you feel like you may not have been yourself lately, or even that an apology is in order, take the opportunity to open up. It will help people understand and maybe cut you some slack the next time. You’d be surprised at how great people can be when you keep them in the know.
