Understanding The Symptoms Of PMS
Comedian Roseanne Barr once joked, "Women complain about PMS, but I think of it as the only time of the month when I can be myself." Barr was referring to symptoms of PMS like irritability, moodiness, explosive anger and depression. Emotional symptoms are the most prominent for those who are truly suffering from PMS, but they also encounter a range of physical symptoms as well. This article will give information about what makes PMS a serious, debilitating problem for 5% of the menstruating population.
There are more than 200 symptoms related to PMS, which range in severity from person to person and from month to month. Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are commonly associated with the very act of menstruating. For instance, most women report that they feel "bloated," have tender breasts and suffer from frequent headaches. Some women report having an upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea or constipation. Fatigue and muscle pain usually appear in the ten days before menstruation and it's not uncommon for women to crave carbs, chocolate and sweets, or gain a little weight. Acne and disrupted sleep are other complaints reported. Many women wonder if they're experiencing the usual symptoms of "that time of the month" or if they might have a condition that warrants additional treatment.
While the exact causes of PMS remain an enigma, researchers believe that the mood swings result from changing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms like depression, fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems can be attributed to sudden shifts in seratonin levels in the brain. To be considered PMS, these symptoms must appear between 7-10 days before bleeding begins and must disappear shortly thereafter until the same time the following month. Only women of childbearing age experience symptoms of PMS, which ends at menopause.
Before diagnosing the symptoms of PMS, doctors usually look to rule out other possible culprits for the mood fluctuations. Anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism, oral contraceptive side effects, perimenopause, dysmenorrhea (severe uterine pain during menstruation), chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, autoimmune disorders and breast swelling are some of the other conditions that exhibit many of the same symptoms. There aren't any 100% "telling tests" for P.M.S., but doctors may request a thyroid blood test to rule out thyroid disease or hypothyroidism. They usually ask patients to fill out a brief questionnaire and keep a diary of symptoms for a few months.
Related topics about Symptoms 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.
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.
Tools To Get PMS Symptom Relief
You might find it helpful to look for a PMS tracker chart. For a printable template, just visit www.womenshealth.