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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