PMS

What is PMS?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, refers to the various physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women before menstruation. PMS is a very common occurrence in menstruating women. It may range from mild to severe. Although the condition is not life-threatening, these symptoms may affect an individual’s quality of life.

What are the main signs and symptoms associated with PMS?

There are several symptoms women may experience due to PMS. However, it is not necessary that every woman will experience all of these symptoms. These include:

Physical symptoms:

• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Food cravings
• Constipation
• Headache
• Pain in the breasts
• Pain in the thighs
• Back pain
• Cramps

Emotional symptoms:

• Irritability
• Frustration
• Confusion
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Sleeplessness

What are the main causes?

Changes in hormonal levels during menstruation is considered to be the primary cause of the premenstrual syndrome. However, the exact cause is not known.

There are a host of other factors which can contribute to these symptoms. These can be:

• Stress
• Obesity
• Environment or surroundings
• Poor diet

How is it diagnosed and treated?

No specific diagnostic test is done in order to diagnose PMS. However, the doctor will definitely inquire about the symptoms the woman experiences. Usually, one can identify a pattern to the symptoms, and it is observed by most women that these symptoms may get worse on specific days of their menstrual cycle. It certainly helps to keep a written record of the symptoms.

Although there is no cure for PMS, it is not usually perceived as a severe problem by most women. The symptoms of PMS can certainly be managed successfully with dietary and lifestyle changes and medications.

• For pain relief, the doctor may recommend doing yoga, exercise or using a hot water bottle. For severe pain, painkillers may be advised.
• To reduce swelling, diuretics may be prescribed.
• Anti-stress and anti-depressant medications may be recommended to treat severe cases with depression.

However, changes in the diet and the use of home remedies yield effective results in managing these symptoms.

1. Office on Women's Health [Internet] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
2. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Premenstrual Syndrome.
3. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
4. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Premenstrual syndrome: Overview. 2009 Dec 12 [Updated 2017 Jun 15].
5. Office on Women's Health [Internet] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).