Nevertheless, all the information shared here is provided in a general sense and is intended to educate on the subject. Only a doctor who has the opportunity to examine and assess your health based on your medical history and other factors is the best person to talk to about your specific needs and requirements in any area, so always talk to them before making any decisions about your health.
What exactly is PMS?
A combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience after ovulation about a week or two before the start of menstruation. Experts agree that PMS occurs in the days after ovulation because estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop dramatically if a woman is not pregnant. PMS symptoms, on the other hand, disappear within a few days after the start of menstruation, as hormone levels begin to rise again. Some women get their periods without any signs of PMS or only accompanied by very mild symptoms. For others, the symptoms of PMS can be so severe that they find it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as work or school. Severe PMS symptoms can be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS disappears when you no longer get your period, for example after menopause. After pregnancy, PMS may return, but you may have different symptoms of PMS.
Who has PMS?
Up to three out of four women say they will experience PMS symptoms at some point in their lives. For most women, PMS symptoms are mild. Less than 5% of women of childbearing age get a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMS may be more common in women who:
- have high stress levels
- have a family history of depression
- have a personal history of postnatal depression or depression
Is PMS related to age?
Yeah. Symptoms of PMS can worsen between the ages of thirty and forty, especially as you approach menopause or are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause (more in the series on menopause). This is especially true for women who are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Which causes sudden mood changes. PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get your period.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms can be different for each woman. You may have physical symptoms, such as bloating or pain, or emotional symptoms, such as sadness; at "best" you may have both. Symptoms can also change throughout life.
Physical symptoms of PMS may include:
- swollen or tender breasts
- constipation or diarrhoea
- bloating or a feeling of flatulence
- Cramps
- headache or back pain
- clumsiness
- lower noise or light tolerance
Emotional or mental symptoms of PMS include:
- irritability or hostile to aggressive behaviour
- feelings of fatigue
- sleep problems (too much or too little sleep)
- changes in appetite, but also for food
- concentration and memory problems
- Voltage
- Anxiety
- depression, feelings of sadness
- crying without justification
- mood swings
- decreased libido (less interest in sex)
What causes PMS?
Scientists can't quite pinpoint what causes PMS. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can play a role. These changing hormone levels can affect some women more than others.
How is PMS diagnosed?
There is no accurate test to diagnose PMS. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, including when they occur and how much they affect your life.
You probably have PMS if you have the symptoms listed above, which:
- at least three menstrual cycles in a row are repeated
- end within four days of the start of menstruation
Prevent PMS from interfering with your normal activities:
For several months, keep track of what PMS symptoms you have and how severe they are. Write down your symptoms every day in a calendar or app on your phone. Take this information with you to your doctor's visit. Together you evaluate them and determine on the best possible solution.
How does PMS affect other health problems?
About half of women who need relief from PMS also have another health problem that can worsen in the time before menstruation. These health problems have many symptoms with PMS and include:
- depression and anxiety disorders. These are the most common conditions that overlap with PMS. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to PMS and may worsen before or during menstruation
- myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Some women report that their symptoms often worsen just before menstruation. Research shows that women with ME/CFS may also be more likely to have heavy menstrual bleeding and early or premature menopause
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes cramping, bloating and flatulence. Symptoms of IBS may worsen just before menstruation
- bladder pain syndrome. Women with bladder pain syndrome are more likely to have painful cramps during PMS
PMS can also aggravate some health problems such as asthma, allergies and migraines.
What can I do at home to relieve PMS symptoms?
- Treat yourself to regular aerobic physical activity throughout the month. Exercise can help with symptoms such as depression, concentration problems and fatigue.
- Most of the time, choose healthy meals. Avoiding foods and drinks with caffeine, salt and sugar two weeks before your period can relieve many of the symptoms of PMS. Eat healthier.
- Get enough sleep. Try to get about eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation is associated with depression and anxiety and can worsen PMS symptoms such as moodiness.
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Talk to your friends, keep a journal, or see a therapist. Some women also find yoga, massage or meditation helpful.
- No smoking. In one large study, women who smoked reported more PMS symptoms and worse PMS symptoms than women who did not smoke.
What medications can suppress or treat PMS symptoms?
Over-the-counter painkillers, which you can buy in most shops, can help relieve physical symptoms such as cramps, headaches, backaches and breast tenderness. For example: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, MIG, and others...
For some women, taking an over-the-counter painkiller just before the start of menstruation may reduce the amount of pain but also the intensity of bleeding during menstruation.
Prescription medications can help if over-the-counter painkillers don't work:
- Hormonal contraceptives (HACs) can help with the physical symptoms of PMS, but in turn can make other symptoms worse. You may need to try several different types of birth control until you find one that helps your symptoms.
- Antidepressants can relieve the emotional symptoms of PMS for some women when other medications don't help. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most common type of antidepressant used to treat PMS.
- Diuretics (for drainage) can relieve symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness.
- Anti-anxiety medications can help relieve feelings of anxiety.
All medicines have risks and side effects. Any use of medicines should be preceded by a discussion with a doctor, this is also true for over-the-counter medicines.
Can I take vitamins or minerals to treat PMS symptoms?
Studies show that certain vitamins and minerals can help relieve some symptoms of PMS. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate vitamins or mineral and herbal supplements in the same way as medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Studies have shown a positive effect of the following substances:
- Calcium. Calcium can help reduce some of the symptoms of PMS, such as fatigue, food cravings, and depression. Calcium is found in foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
- Vitamin B6. It can help with symptoms of PMS, including moodiness, irritability, forgetfulness, bloating, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as fish, poultry, potatoes, fruits (except citrus fruits) and fortified cereals.
Unproven results for the effectiveness of PMS symptoms:
- Magnesium. If you have menstrual migraines, check with your doctor to see if you need more magnesium. Magnesium is found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, as well as nuts, whole grains and fortified cereals.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). Studies show that taking a supplement with 1 to 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids can help relieve cramps and other PMS symptoms. Natural sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids include flaxseed, nuts, fish and green leafy vegetables.
What complementary or alternative medicines can help relieve PMS symptoms?
Some women report relief from PMS symptoms with yoga or meditation. Others say herbal supplements help relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the supplements. They may interact with other medicines you are taking, so the other medicine will not be effective or will cause dangerous side effects. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements to the same level as it regulates medicines.
Some research studies report relief from PMS symptoms with these herbal supplements, but other studies do not. Many herbal supplements should not be used with other medications. Some herbal supplements that women use to relieve PMS symptoms include:
- Black cumin. The underground stems and root of black cumin are used fresh or dried to make tea, capsules, pills or liquid extracts. Black cumin is most commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, and some women use it to relieve PMS symptoms.
- Chasteberry - dried ripe blueberry. Women taking hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy to treat menopausal symptoms should not take blueberries.
- Evening primrose oil - or Evening primrose oil. The oil is taken from the seeds of the plant and put into capsules. Some women report that the pill helps relieve PMS symptoms, but research results do not refute this, but neither do they confirm it.
Scientists continue to search for new treatments for PMS. At the clinic of the Institute of Health and Beauty FRAIS we are currently testing under the auspices and supervision of a gynecologist a product from IOY - GOOD MOOD + PMS, which suppresses the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful menstruation, revitalizes digestion and mind. The unique formula relieves painful menstruation by up to 50%. You can also sign up for the research.
Talk to your doctor if the symptoms bother you or affect your daily life. You can make an appointment with our gynaecologist for advice in this area here:
02 / 52 444 022
0911 108 741
info@frais.sk
online chat 09:00-16:00
Wishing you a beautiful day
Ivana Bartosova,
Marketing Manager of the FRAIS Health and Beauty Institute
