PMS, or premenstrual syndrome , is a complex cyclical set of symptoms that occurs in some women in the premenstrual days (2-10 days before menstruation) and is characterized by a wide variety of disorders that negatively affect a woman’s usual lifestyle.
According to statistics , premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects, according to various sources, from 50 to 80% of all women on the planet. Many of them are in a fairly mild form, in which there is no need to see a doctor. However, you need to know that over time and under appropriate circumstances, PMS can progress, so if you experience any pain or nervous disorders before menstruation, try to prevent the situation from worsening, seek help from a specialist.
There are a huge number of PMS symptoms – there are about 150 of them in total! This means that premenstrual syndrome can manifest itself in completely different ways for different women. However, not everyone knows that all these unpleasant manifestations of PMS can be successfully combated.
Each patient has PMS symptoms . The main physical symptoms are headache, chest tightness or tenderness, swelling, bloating or pain in the abdomen, weight gain; psychological – irritability, rapid mood swings, absent-mindedness, depression, outbursts of anger, rage; behavioral – increased appetite, insomnia, decreased performance and social activity, apathy, memory impairment. At the same time, it has been noticed that some women unconsciously experience fear of the onset of PMS and menstruation, and therefore become even more irritable and withdrawn, even before the onset of this period. PMS can be diagnosed in adolescence, but in most cases its symptoms first appear at the age of 25–26 years, mainly in women who have given birth.
Causes of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
For several decades now, scientists have been trying to figure out the causes and factors that lead to the occurrence of premenstrual syndrome. Today there are several theories.
Hormonal theory, according to which premenstrual syndrome is a consequence of an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body.
In addition, there is an opinion that PMS is a consequence of vitamin deficiency, in particular, a lack of vitamins B6, A, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
Some doctors talk about a genetic factor in the development of premenstrual syndrome.
PMS symptoms
PMS symptoms are different for every woman. They can be physical, such as bloating or gas, or emotional, such as sadness. Symptoms can also change throughout life.
Physical symptoms of PMS may include:
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating
- Spasms
- Headache or back pain
- Lower tolerance to noise or light
Emotional or mental symptoms of PMS include:
- Irritability or hostile behavior
- Feeling tired
- Trouble sleeping (too much or too little)
- Changes in appetite
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Tension or anxiety
- Depression, sadness
- Mood swings
- Decreased libido
Treatment of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
The direction of treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is largely determined by the individual characteristics of the female body and the symptoms that the patient experiences. Common to all forms of PMS is the advice to keep a menstrual calendar, and, if possible, write down your feelings in the days before menstruation. This clearly shows whether a woman has PMS or whether the causes of the malaise lie in another, non-gynecological disorder.
At the discretion of the specialist and based on tests, magnesium, calcium or B vitamins and antioxidants may be prescribed for the treatment of PMS.
an important role in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome . It is based on the fact that a woman should consume food that contains a sufficiently large amount of fiber. The approximate ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates should be 15%, 10% and 75%. It is worth limiting beef, as some types contain artificial estrogens, and reducing the amount of fat consumed due to the fact that they can negatively affect the liver and cause fluid retention in the body. Excess proteins are also not recommended, as they increase the body's need for mineral salts, which can disrupt the water-salt metabolism.
A woman suffering from PMS can be advised to eat more vegetables, fruits, drink herbal teas and juices, especially carrot and lemon. But drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee) should be avoided, as this component can increase irritability, anxiety and sleep disturbances. The same applies to alcohol, but its effect is even more negative, since it directly affects the liver, reducing its ability to process hormones, and thus estrogen accumulates in the body. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, it is also advisable to limit the consumption of sugar and salt. Drink herbal teas with healthy herbal supplements. Tea with mint or lemon balm is perfect, as well as teas with the addition of infusions of chamomile, valerian, and birch leaves.
Exercise has been proven to relieve stress and balance the hormonal system. However, you should not get involved in sports such as weightlifting, boxing, etc. Too much physical activity not only does not cure, but also aggravates premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Walking, running, aerobics, swimming, cycling are perfect.
Take a warm bath. A bath is the best and fastest way to relieve tension and get rid of pain in the lower abdomen.
To overcome PMS, you need to change your life strategy. Change your life gradually, but under the strict supervision of your doctor (he will not give bad advice).
The specialist will select the optimal doses of vitamins, macro- and microelements, herbal preparations, prescribe the necessary medications, adjust the diet, in short, will do everything possible so that you no longer experience mental and physical discomfort.
You need to prepare yourself for long-term work: after all, you won’t be able to overcome premenstrual syndrome in a few weeks. Success will come only after some time.
What categories of women are affected by PMS?
Three-quarters of women say they experience PMS symptoms at some point in their lives. For most women, PMS symptoms are mild. Less than 5% of women of childbearing age suffer from a more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMS may occur more often in women who:
- Experiencing high levels of stress
- Have a family history of depression
- Have a personal history of postpartum depression
How to get rid of irritability during PMS?
To get rid of irritability a week before or during menstruation, you need to undergo treatment with a gynecologist. Irritability is one of the characteristic psycho-emotional symptoms of PMS. Temperature, pain and other physiological sensations increase the manifestation of psycho-emotional disorders. Without the help of a doctor, it is impossible to control hormone levels and associated PMS symptoms. How many days in advance you need to take the prescribed medications depends on how pronounced the discomfort is and how often it bothers you. In most cases, irritability is accompanied by anger, anger, or a feeling of increased anxiety. Depending on the stability of the emotional state, a woman may be prescribed broad-spectrum sedatives.
Healthy food (normalizes blood sugar levels, improves metabolism) and regular physical activity (maintains muscle tone) help maintain a good mood and well-being during irritability. In order not to aggravate the manifestation of irritability, it is necessary to avoid caffeinated drinks and other stimulants.
How to distinguish PMS from pregnancy?
To distinguish PMS from pregnancy, you need to visit a gynecologist. Premenstrual syndrome, the symptoms of which vary from woman to woman, can resemble signs of early pregnancy and cause pain in the chest, frequent mood swings (attacks of sadness and apathy, tearfulness), and other ailments.
Pregnancy and PMS are caused by hormonal changes, so it's easy to confuse the two. If your bad mood persists for two weeks or more, seek medical help. According to the World Health Organization, doctors diagnosed mental disorders, in particular depression, in 10% of pregnant women.
Hormonal fluctuations are often the cause of female constipation, which can be aggravated by excessive consumption of confectionery, fatty foods, smoked foods and sweet soda. Research shows that constipation affects up to 38% of women, not only before menstruation, but also during pregnancy. In the first case, constipation most often appears against the background of intestinal diseases, the aggravation of which occurs under the influence of PMS, in the second - due to significant changes in the body due to the natural formation of the fetus, which is most often characteristic of the first two trimesters.
Common signs of PMS and pregnancy also include:
- changes in the breast, which may include pain, swelling, tenderness. With PMS, they are felt before the menstrual period, and disappear after it begins or ends. In the first months of pregnancy and before childbirth, the breasts become heavier, touching the area around the nipple can cause pain, and the veins located in the chest become more pronounced;
- fatigue. In some pregnant women, it is observed only during the first trimester, in others it persists throughout the entire 9 months until the onset of labor. Along with fatigue, a woman preparing to become a mother may periodically experience “menstrual” ailments, however, as a rule, they disappear within 1-2 days;
- bleeding. In early pregnancy, small blood stains may appear on your underwear. This is called implantation bleeding, which most often occurs 10 to 14 days after fertilization. Many women do not notice such discharge or confuse it with menstruation. You need to understand that menstrual bleeding lasts at least 4-7 days and causes significant blood loss, which is difficult to miss;
- spasms. In early pregnancy, they are similar to menstrual cramps and mostly occur in the lower stomach. In a pregnant woman, cramps may persist for several weeks or months (the reason is the development of the fetus in the womb).
Stages
According to the dynamics of its course, premenstrual syndrome is divided into the following stages:
- Compensated
. Signs of PMS appear in the LH phase of the cycle and disappear with the onset of KD without progression of symptoms over time. - Subcompensated
. Manifestations of PMS disappear 1-3 days after the onset of CD and worsen over the years. - Decompensated
. Symptoms persist throughout the CD, sometimes remaining after completion; their obvious strengthening over time and a reduction in “light gaps” are noted.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic criterion for PMS is the cyclical nature of its manifestation. Laboratory studies of hormones in the blood make it possible to establish the form of the disease and determine which medicine or combination of medicines is needed for therapy.
The edematous form is characterized by a decrease in progesterone levels in the second phase of the cycle. Cephalgic, neuropsychic and crisis forms are accompanied by an increase in prolactin levels. With these forms, it is important to conduct electroencephalography for a more accurate diagnosis of the condition.
For severe headaches, dizziness and fainting, an MRI or CT scan of the brain is prescribed. In case of edematous form, it is recommended to conduct tests to study the excretory function of the kidneys (Zimnitsky test, Rehberg test). In cases of painful engorgement of the mammary glands, a mammological examination and breast ultrasound are required.
How does PMS affect other health problems?
About half of women who need treatment for PMS also suffer from other health problems that may worsen in the period leading up to their menstrual cycle.
- 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 your period.
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Some women report that their symptoms often get worse just before their period. Research suggests that women with ME/CFS may also experience heavier menstrual bleeding and early or premature menopause.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes cramps, bloating, and gas. Your IBS symptoms may get worse right before your period.
- Bladder pain syndrome. Women with bladder pain syndrome are more likely to experience painful cramps during PMS.
PMS can also worsen certain health problems such as asthma, allergies and migraines.
Advantages of treatment at the Elena Malysheva Medical Center
By contacting Elena Malysheva’s clinic to alleviate PMS syndrome in women, you can be sure that you will receive qualified assistance here. After all, the medical center employs certified specialists. In addition, we guarantee a number of other benefits:
- Affordable prices in Izhevsk.
- Advanced methods of treating diseases.
- Comfortable treatment conditions.
- Reception of patients on the day of treatment.
- An integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Remember that only an experienced specialist can not only improve your well-being, but also tell you how to alleviate PMS, focusing on the individual characteristics of the body, and select effective therapy that will help overcome the painful condition.
You can ask questions and make an appointment with a gynecologist by phone or on the clinic’s website.
