Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), also known as premenstrual tension, refers to the physical and emotional complaints that affect your daily life during the two weeks before your menstrual period.

[alert-success]PMS affects about 3 out of every 100 women, causing symptoms severe enough to interfere with their daily lives.[/alert-success]

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is unknown. All reproductive system-related hormones fluctuate at certain times of the month, with some women being more sensitive to these hormonal changes. It is believed to be associated with fluctuations in hormone levels.

Symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome improve with the onset of menstruation and disappear after menstruation.

Common emotional and physical complaints associated with premenstrual syndrome vary from person to person, but often include:

• Mood swings
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling irritable and tense
• Fatigue and sleep problems
• Headaches
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Swelling in the hands and abdomen
• Breast tenderness

Some medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome. Some medical conditions that can mimic PMS include depression, chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The most important point in distinguishing this condition from other illnesses is that symptoms associated with PMS develop in the two weeks before menstruation and improve in the following two weeks.

When other possible diseases are suspected, blood or other tests should be ordered to rule out these conditions.

Treatment options for premenstrual syndrome include both medical and alternative treatment methods.

There are a variety of options available to help you cope with your symptoms and continue your daily life in a healthy way.

Regardless of the option you choose, keeping track of your symptoms can help you determine whether a particular treatment is effective or not.

For patients experiencing premenstrual syndrome, recommendations should include exercise, regular nutrition, and stress management techniques (such as yoga, meditation, etc.).

It is known that psychological support and therapy can help improve premenstrual symptoms.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be helpful in treatment. Evening primrose oil can reduce breast tenderness.

In medical treatment, antidepressants, diuretics, and birth control pills are beneficial.