Recognizing The Signs Of PMS
Women's health issues range from sexual health, STDs and pregnancy to PMS, PMDD and hypothyroidism. Many of the symptoms mimic one another, so it can be confusing to determine which problem is causing which symptoms. Are you depressed because of PMS, or are you suffering more because you're depressed? It's important to discuss any mood changes or erratic behaviors with your health care professional to ensure everything is fine. Here is a guide to help you recognize the signs of PMS.
PMS is one of the most prevalent health issues for women, affecting about 80% of childbearing-age women in some form or another. Most often, the signs of PMS include menstrual cramps, headaches, food cravings and feel fatigued the week before menstruation begins. In more serious cases, you may feel exceedingly irritable, depressed, anxious and tense. While it is normal to feel a little different during this time of the month, it's common for women to shrug off other medical conditions as "just that time of the month." If you feel your period is hindering your quality of life, then you may want to see a health care professional to see if there is another underlying cause of your misery.
If you feel more nervous on PMS or there is more worry on PMS, then you might have an underlying anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a popular topic in women's health. Health professionals say that approximately 15% of the population has some kind of anxiety disorder, whether it's generalized anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress or a social phobia. In all but OCD, women are more susceptible to have debilitating symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is frequently blamed on the fluctuating estrogen levels women endure at certain times during the menstrual cycle. In addition to behavioral therapy and diet modifications, there are many drugs used to treat anxiety.
Women's health professionals say there are many possible causes of PMS. Run-of-the-mill signs of PMS are generally associated with the body's natural hormonal changes. Yet, in some cases, women may suffer worse symptoms because of a poor diet, vitamin deficiencies and mineral deficiencies. Often, it's recommended that women take B6, calcium and fiber supplements. Poor posture has been known to cause musculature aches and headaches, and a poor attitude toward menstruation can cause added anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing moodiness and miss your period, then it is possible that you may be pregnant.
Related topics about Signs of PMS
PMS Depression Is A Serious Concern
The relationship between depression and PMS is complex, researchers feel, because the changing hormones during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may trigger underlying mood disorders or may simply be the mood disorder. Because of this uncertainty and the stigmas associated with depression, many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with a doctor. However, if a patient is experiencing loss of motivation, loss of appetite, insomnia, excessive sleeping, extreme nervousness, a disinterest in daily activities or feelings of worthlessness, then it's important to see a doctor.
Where To Find PMS Information
At www.mayoclinic.com, you can get all the basic PMS information, such as the definition, the symptoms, causes, when to seek treatment, how to prepare for a doctor's appointment, tests and diagnosis, treatments and drugs, lifestyle changes and alternative medicine.
One Woman's Battle With PMDD Symptoms
To treat the woman's symptoms, the doctor may prescribe mood stabilizing drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac/Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft). However, it was recently discovered that nearly half the patients taking Zoloft saw their PMDD symptoms return within six to eight months of stopping their medication. These medications work by preventing the reuptake of seratonin -- the "happy" chemical in the body -- and enabling women to experience more natural joy.