PMS, is there really such a thing or do we just have an attitude? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter.
By definition, symptoms are considered to be PMS-related if they occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 days or more after the first day of the menstrual period) and are absent for about 7 days after a menstrual period ends (during the first half of the menstrual cycle).
Physical Symptoms:
•Headache
•Swelling of ankles, feet, and hands
•Backache
•Abdominal cramps or heaviness
•Abdominal pain
•Abdominal fullness, feeling gaseous
•Muscle spasms
•Breast tenderness
•Weight gain
•Recurrent cold sores
•Acne flare-ups
•Nausea
•Bloating
•Constipation or diarrhea
•Decreased coordination
•Food cravings
•Less tolerance for noises and lights
•Painful menstruation
Emotional Symptoms:
•Anxiety or panic
•Confusion
•Difficulty concentrating
•Forgetfulness
•Poor judgment
•Depression
•Irritability, hostility, or aggressive behavior
•Increased guilt feelings
•Fatigue
•Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
•Decreased self-image
•Sex drive changes, loss of sex drive
•Paranoia or increased fears
•Low self-esteem
Treatment
Exercise and diet changes can help relieve symptoms.
Nutritional supplements may be recommended:
Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium are commonly used.
A low-salt diet and avoiding simple sugars, caffeine, and alcohol. Regular aerobic exercise throughout the month helps reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
Birth control pills may decrease or increase PMS symptoms.
An exact cause of PMS has not been identified. However, it may be related to social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors. What do you believe? Is PMS a made up fashion as an excuse for women to be a bonafided BITCH once a month or is it truly an ailment suffered by women all across the world? Do you suffer for PMS, how do you cope if so? I know I call mine mood swings because I can go from being jolly to the devil woman in a heartbeat and not want to be bothered by anyone's touch, sound or presence lol for that matter.
Hope you ladies have some fun planned for this weekend! See ya on Monday!
Health Source
