The Premenstrual Syndrome

During their period, most women experience both emotional and physical changes.

The majority of them have bearable and minor symptoms. Premenstrual Syndrome refers to a pattern of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur a few weeks before the menstrual cycle (PMS). According to PubMed Health, this insufficiency affects 20-40% of women of reproductive age. Among the symptoms connected with Premenstrual Syndrome are social withdrawal, irritation, muscle aches, and wrath. Its causes are unknown, but most experts assume that a variety of mechanisms are at work. Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that mostly affects women’s emotions, their behavior and their physical health a few weeks before their menstrual cycles. It’s a common deficiency, and it affects approximately 85% of the menstruating women around the globe (Caplan, 2017). The condition 10-11 dates before menstruation and disappears once the menses begin. Some risk factors associated with PMS include emotional trauma, substance abuse or domestic violence. It mainly occurs in women at their late 20s and early 40s and those that have a medical history of depression (Berga, 1998). Those women that are at risk of the condition have to ensure that they make regular visits to the doctor to see to it that they live normal lives even during that period. A proper diet and exercise can be vital in dealing with PMS.

Causes of Premenstrual syndrome

The primary cause of the Premenstrual syndrome remains a mystery. It should, however, be noted that various factors are involved in the condition. Firstly, changes in hormones during a woman’s menstrual cycle plays a critical role in affecting the emotional and behavioral status of an individual and the effects vary from one lady to the other. High-stress levels, changes in the brain chemicals and psychological problems worsen PMS (Berga, 1998). Other factors linked to the condition include a decline in vitamins and minerals levels and high sodium content. Chances of a high degree of Premenstrual Syndrome are also evident when a woman has a poor diet. Research also shows that little or no exercise also triggers PMS and obese women are likely to have the condition.

PMS diagnosis

No laboratory tests have been identified to help in the diagnosis of the Premenstrual syndrome. Some of those features that individuals have to consider when identifying PMS include emotional symptoms such as irritability, anger and increased depressions (Caplan, 2017). The presence of these symptoms is a clear indication of PMS. Another feature that is used in the identification of the condition is the appearance of emotional and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and disappears during the menstrual period (Caplan, 2017). The various symptoms have to be in such a way that they are severe, thus interfering with her normal life. It should be noted that it affects women differently.

Symptoms

There are various symptoms that are attached to Premenstrual Syndrome, but women experience only a handful. They are divided into psychological, physical and behavioral and some of them, if not controlled appropriately, may end up having a negative effect on the lives of those affected. Below are signs and symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (Berga, 1998). Keeping a monthly diary may also help women recognize the PMS symptoms and those days when they are to expect them.

Psychological symptom

One of those symptoms that are evident when a woman experiences PMS is anxiety and depression that ends up leading to high-stress levels. She also feels isolated and a sense of rejections that affects her social life. It is because of her social withdrawal that may also end up negatively influencing marital life. Other psychological symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome include poor concentration that also affects her thought process, regular mood swings and restlessness and irritability that causes frustrations and difficulties in carrying out everyday life activities (Caplan, 2017). The women may also lose confidence and have an increase in the self-esteem issues and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

Physical symptoms

There are various physical symptoms that are associated with Premenstrual Syndromes. The woman experiences appetite imbalances, and with the lack of adequate nutrition in the body, she may end experiencing challenges associated with the deficiency in a specified nutrient (Aikaterini, 2017). Other symptoms include headaches and severe muscle pains, back aches, lumpy and tender breasts, the swelling of extremities and hyper-insomnia (Aikaterini, 2017). The woman may also be fatigued, and this makes it hard for her to handle everyday activities. Skin changes and development of acne as well as abdominal bloating may also occur when an individual is experiencing PMS.

Behavioral symptoms of PMS

Behavioral symptoms of PMS occasionally occur due to depression and other psychological factors. During that period cravings for different types of foods increase significantly, and this may end up resulting in weight gain (Markens, 2016). The woman may also become sad and emotional outbursts that make it hard for her to handle chores and handle daily activities. She tends to have a poor concentration and ends up forgetting several small things. High levels of fatigue may also negatively impair her normal life (Markens, 2016). A woman also experiences low libido levels and sensitivity to changes in sexual life.

Treatment of the Premenstrual Syndrome

The first step in the treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome is an understanding of oneself regarding stress management, dieting and the period when menses occur. Women are advised to have a monthly diary where they keep a record of their period dates, the types of foods that they are advised to take and their social life. Doctors also prescribe hormone treatment such as oral contraceptive pills, Oestrogen patches and Mirena intra-uterine system (Caplan, 2017). Non-hormonal treatments include Cognitive-behavioural therapy, regular use of diuretics and Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors. Some women are advised to go for surgery to help in handling the condition. Non-prescription treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome include pain relievers, natural diuretics and minerals, and vitamins. Antidepressants such as sertraline can also be vital in dealing with the condition.

Conclusion

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a female deficiency whose cause remains a mystery. The condition mainly occurs a week or two before a woman experiences her menses. Based on the research paper, it is evident that some of the symptoms that are associated with PMS include depression, abdominal bloating, muscle aches, social withdrawal, and fatigue. Research also shows that some of the causative factors of the condition entail hormonal and chemical changes, high-stress levels, poor dieting and lack of regular exercise. Women are advised to ensure that they go for regular check-ups and engage in various physical activities. Those that already have the conditions can go for hormone and non-hormonal treatment as well as therapies and pain relievers.

References

Aikaterini, G. (2017). PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 6(1). doi:10.15406/ijcam.2017.06.00175

Berga, S. L. (1998). Understanding premenstrual syndrome. The Lancet, 351(9114), 1512. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(05)78902-9

Caplan, P. J. (2017). Thinking Critically About Research On Sex And Gender. S.L.: Psychology Press.

Markens, S. (2016). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies, 1-2. doi:10.1002/9781118663219.wbegss050