PMS: Take Control of the Premenstrual Syndrome!

Premenstrual syndrome is a name for a group of symptoms women experience prior and during their period.

Premenstrual syndrome and irritability

The most common and most problematic are psychological symptoms. Women experience irritability, tension and sadness. They are overwhelmed by waves of emotions, mostly negative and suddenly they become extremely sad or nervous. Some of them get hunger attacks or desires for a specific kind of food. Due to irritability they become very aggressive, some of them get depressed, tired and anxious. The best symptom of all is an increased sexual desire combined with insomnia. These symptoms are joined by physical ones, but there remains the question, if these are only the result of the psychological factors. A bloated stomach, cramps, muscle and joint pains, deterioration of the existing skin, respiratory or eye problems.

What makes the premenstrual symptoms worse?

Because not every woman suffers from PMS it is very difficult to give a uniform description of the disease as well as a guarantee for efficient treatment. The treatment focuses mainly on the prevention of the symptoms. Every woman is the best judge of her body and how it reacts. There are a few different factors which mostly worsen or cause these symptoms. Drinking large amounts of coffee, stress, old age, depression, tobacco, a lack of certain vitamins. It is certain that PMS is hereditary. One-egg twins are almost twice as likely to have PMS than two-egg twins.

How to alleviate the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome?

What usually helps is the change of lifestyle. Regular exercise and an appropriate diet can do miracles. The secret is the level of endorphins in the body and not the hormones as is the common misconception. The measuring of hormones (male and female sexual hormones) in this period shows that not any significant changes take place.

Self help and the treatment of severe problems caused by the premenstrual syndrome

At least 40 percent of women with PMS show a significant lack of beta-endorphins in their system. Endorphins are neurotransmitters which enable us to feel good. We can ensure a sufficient level of them precisely by regular exercise and a certain diet. You can try vitamin and nutritional supplements. Calcium, vitamin E, B6, magnesium, niacin, zinc, evening primrose oil. In the case of really severe symptoms the doctor also prescribes medication – usually hormonal therapy or anti depressives. (SSRI) Because the symptoms occur very differently from one woman to the next the key is to listen to your body and experiment. Premenstrual syndrome does not go away until menopause so it is wise to try and limit the negative effects of PMS. It can lead to depression, not to mention the negative impact it has on our relationships and life in general. So consult your doctor or your gynaecologist about the method and the means of dealing with your premenstrual problems.

You can find more advice on period in the Encyclopedia of Sexuality.