Knowing what it is and how to deal with it will make a big difference to how hormonal changes impact your life.
Well, premenstrual syndrome – also known as premenstrual tension (PMT) – is caused by the hormonal changes that take place during your menstrual cycle. PMS covers a whole range of symptoms and feelings that you may get. And they can be mild or, in some cases, pretty major. These include sore breasts, bloating and fatigue. Some women also get headaches, an upset stomach and trouble sleeping. Your emotions can be affected too, so you may feel more moody, sad, irritable or even tearful.
Sounds grim, doesn’t it? But fear not. Keep a diary of how you’re feeling in the run-up to your period. Spotting your recurring symptoms and nailing their patterns means being prepared and getting support. Regular exercise and healthy meals will also make a big difference, especially if you include wholegrain carbohydrates like wholemeal bread and porridge. Some experts recommend reducing salt and caffeine in your diet, while over-the-counter painkillers will take care of aches and pains. And if your symptoms are making normal life too difficult, see your doctor.
This is a great way to tackle PMS-related mood swings. Massages, tai chi and meditation are really helpful too, as they help you relax and feel less stressed.
If you smoke, try your best to stop. Apart from the health risks, studies show that women who smoke are more than twice as likely to develop moderate or severe PMS symptoms.
Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or swimming has been found to help ease the anxiety, depression and blue moods that come with PMS.
Be less vulnerable to your emotions by eating more of the good stuff like whole grains, fruit and vegetables – and less of the bad like sugar, fat and salt.
You may crave caffeine when you’re premenstrual, but you’re better off cutting right down on coffee, tea and chocolate, as these can make your symptoms worse.
Not true. Some women only get it some months. Some get it really mildly. Some don’t get it at all.
You most certainly can conceive when you’re premenstrual.
Good news, there is! From taking evening primrose oil to ease mild symptoms to seeing your doctor in extreme cases, there’s no need to suffer.
You may crave chocolate when you’re premenstrual but it will actually cause larger fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, meaning bigger mood swings. Try and avoid.
[1 & 2] Information taken from a US study carried out by researchers from the University of California. Study entitled: The Association of Inflammation with Premenstrual Symptoms.
[1] https://theperiodvitamin.com/pms-mood-swings.html
[2] http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html
[3] http://www.everydayhealth.com/pms-photos/10-healthy-ways-to-manage-pms.aspx#02http://www.everydayhealth.com/pms-photos/10-healthy-ways-to-manage-pms.aspx - 02
