Premenstrual Syndrome

The psychological, emotional and physical symptoms which a woman feels during the days which lead to her menstrual periods are known commonly as premenstrual syndrome. The other term which is used for premenstrual syndrome is premenstrual tension. The symptoms normally improve the once the period starts and then disappears after some days.

Even though all the women who are of the age of becoming pregnant have the premenstrual syndrome, but it is very common in the age group of late twenties to early forties. Women who have reached the stage of menopause usually do not experience the premenstrual syndrome.

There is no cure available fro premenstrual syndrome, but certain treatments are available for managing the symptoms.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome are a feeling of getting irritated, bad temper, a feeling of bloating up, a feeling of fluid retention, mood swings, the skin as well as the hair changes, a feeling of being upset, highly emotional, insomnia or trouble while sleeping, difficulty in concentrating, backache, muscle aches and pains, joint pains, tenderness in the breast, tiredness, gaining of some weight, say up to one or two kilos, craving for food as well as changes in the appetite.

In very rare cases, the premenstrual symptoms disrupt the normal life of a woman. This is termed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Most of the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are similar to premenstrual syndrome. Some of the additional symptoms are a feeling of complete hopelessness, a feeling of depression or sadness which is present always, anxiety, anger, the woman loses interests in her normal activities, the woman tends to have an altered sleeping style. She may sleep very less or very more than usual, the woman develops a low self esteem as well as presence of extreme irritability as well as tension.

Causes

Even though the exact reason for premenstrual syndrome is not known, the following are a few factors that may cause the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Changes in the level of hormones during the menstrual cycle are noticed. Increase or decrease in the level of chemicals like serotonin can cause insomnia as well as tiredness. High stress levels can also be another cause for this. Intake of certain types of food in high quantities can be another reason.

Treatment

The various treatments available for premenstrual syndrome are use of non-steroidal; anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like aspirin as well as ibuprofen can help in easing the soreness of the breasts and the cramps developing in the stomach. But the fluid retention worsens if a person uses the drugs mentioned above. Use of oral contraceptive pills help in the regulation of ovulation and thereby stabilising the level of hormones. An oral contraceptive pill known as Yasmin pill can be administered for relieving the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.