What
is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is now widely recognised as a medical
condition that affects some women of childbearing age in many ways.
Premenstrual syndrome is related to menstrual hormones and can present
itself with physical and psychological symptoms.
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Known Causes
Further research is still needed into the exact cause of PMS, but
there is strong evidence that the symptoms are related to changes in
hormone levels experienced throughout the monthly cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome visually increases in severity when there are
alterations in hormone levels such as during puberty. following
childbirth, after a miscarriage or termination, when starting or stopping
the contraceptive pill, or even occasionally after a hysterectomy. If you
have suffered from postnatal illness, you are also more likely to suffer
from PMS. It often becomes more severe as women enter their late thirties
and forties; however, any woman of childbearing age can stiffer from it.
PMS sometimes seems to run in families, but a genetic link has not been
established. If you feel able to talk to other members of your family
about your PMS, you may find that they also suffer and have found some
treatment that has helped them.
The only way that you will be able to tell if you definitely have PMS
is by recording your symptoms on a menstrual chart. If you are uncertain
whether you are suffering from PMS. You should complete the chart for at
least three consecutive months. It is also a good idea to take your
completed menstrual chart to your GP.
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Symptoms
There are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS and the number and
type of symptoms suffered varies from person to person. The severity of
the symptoms can also vary each month. Among the most commonly experienced
are:
Bloating Headaches Irritability
Weight gain Skin problems mood swings and depression
Aggression Fatigue Breast tenderness
Poor concentration Tearfulness The feeling of being misunderstood
Others include tension, anger, anxiety. panic attacks, mental confusion
.sinus problems asthma, epilepsy, styes, acne, alcohol abuse, craving for
sweet things, binge eating and backache.
No woman experiences all of these symptoms and the most important
factor is their timing. The symptoms are present at some time in the
second half, or luteal phase, of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms then
disappear or significantly improve either on the first day of your period
or after the day when the flow is heaviest. You should then be
symptom-free for a few days, although it could be as few as three days if
the cycle is very short. If you experience symptoms during these few days,
it is unlikely that you are suffering from PMS and you should visit your
doctor so that a cause can he found and the appropriate treatment given.
Source: - N.A.P.S
(National
Association for Premenstrual Syndrome)
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