The PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Phenomenon
PMS or Premenstrual syndrome influences a lot of women past 20 years of age, most of them would usually have mood swings a few days before their period arrives. Although menstrual syndromes such as anger, angst, and irritability are a monthly nuisance for a lot of women, sever PMS can be really emotionally devastating for some. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to treat PMS. Some of which are proper medication and lifestyle changes that can help control this monthly difficulty.
An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
PMS can make some woman wildly and uncontrollably moody. It can go from crying marathons, anxiety attacks and emotional outbursts, then back to normal state – just in a single day.
PMS symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability happens during the final stage of the menstrual cycle, just after ovulation – usually occurs during thr 14th day to the 28th of a woman’s monthly cycle. As soon as menstruation begins, these symptoms would normally disappear.
Here’s to name a few symptoms:
• Bad Temper
• Annoyance
• Melancholy
• Weeping
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
What Causes Mood Swings?
Although research doesn’t clearly states the reason why PMS happens, these emotional rollercoaster rides are believed to be related to the increase and decrease of a woman’s hormones (estrogen) that occurs during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels will start to increase slowly right after a woman’s menstruation comes to an end, and it comes to its peak after 14 days. The rise and fall of estrogen levels are believed to be the reason why mood swings and other menstrual symptoms occur.
Stress and problems like a job termination or a divorce do not cause PMS but they can worsen the situation. Research says that female hormones are act together with brain chemicals in one way or another which can influence the mood of the woman experiencing PMS. Decreasing levels of estrogen occurring the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle can cause a sudden decrease in serotonin. Lower serotonin levels can be a cause of depression, anger, and irritability.
Severe PMS
3-8% of women have an even worse menstrual condition called PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). These women can experience severe depression for 7-14 days before their menstruation arrives. With PMDD, the initial symptoms would be extreme depression and intense irritability. PMS is considered mild compared to PMDD which can really be a major problem for most women. Women who have a history of postpartum depression and a family history of depression have bigger chances of having PMDD.
PMDD symptoms will only start to disappear after the actual menstruation begins. If they continue for an entire month, that’s no longer PMDD, it could be another mental/physical illness.
Treating PMS
For most women, a change of lifestyle can be a vital factor in successfully treating PMS. For severe cases, medication will be required. Of course, it is always best to ask from experts, that is why it is advisable that you visit your local doctor so you would know how to handle your PMS.
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