Premenstrual syndrome (abbreviated PMS) used to be termed premenstrual tension. Approximately 80% of pre-menopausal women experience PMS.[1]
PMS consists of a variety of physical, mental, and/or emotional disturbances that can:[1]
Start 2 weeks to 3 days prior to a menstrual period
End at the beginning of or within the first several days of a menstrual period
Causes of PMS may include:[1]
Hormonal imbalance, consisting of overly high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone prior to the menstrual period
Being significantly overweight
Chronic inflammation due to consumption of high amounts of dairy products, refined sugar, and/or caffeine
Insufficient intake of the healthy nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium
Symptoms of PMS may include the following physical, mental, and emotional conditions, any of which can range in intensity from mild to severe:[1]
Overall bloating (swelling) of the body due to retention of water
Weight gain due to bloating of the body
Swelling of the breasts
Tenderness and/or pain in the breasts
Palpitations of the heart
Cravings for certain foods and/or binge eating
Gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, flatulence (gas), constipation, diarrhea, a feeling of bloatedness in the abdominal area, and hemorrhoids
Back pain
Pain in the joints
Dermatological problems, such as acne and hives
Activation of existing herpes infections
Urinary problems
Discomfort (including a sense of uterine heaviness), aches, and/or pains in the pelvis
Irritating discharge from the vagina
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping (i.e., insomnia)
Clumsiness
Fatigue
Worsening of symptoms from medical conditions
Susceptibility to having accidents, due to lack of focus on tasks
Mental confusion
Difficulty making decisions
Mood swings
Depression and/or sadness
Anxiety and/or sense of insecurity
Emotional irritability and/or anger
Changes in libido
It is important not to "medicalize" the condition of PMS into being viewed as a disease, rather than a manageable condition consisting of manageable symptoms. If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of PMS, consult your integrative medical physician and gynecologist for diagnosis and guidance on treatment. Many ways are available to prevent, manage, and treat PMS. (See our Q&A called Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
REFERENCE
1. J. Reichenberg-Ullman. Whole Woman Homeopathy. 2004. Edmonds, WA: Picnic Point Press.
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