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What is the premenstrual syndrome?
A few days before they get their period, many women feel certain bodily or psychological changes. When these changes take place a bit or right before every period and they affect the way and the quality of this woman’s life, then they are known as premenstrual syndrome.
What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
Physical symptoms may include:
- Swelling and pain in the breasts
- Changes in food consumption (usually cravings)
- Thirst
- Headache or migraine
- Bloating and weight gain
- Oedema with or without arm and leg pain
- Tiredness
- An increase of skin greasiness and acne
- Often, very intense pain in the abdomen (cramps)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Psychological symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Outbursts of anger
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Tendency to cry
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Changes in libido
- Social isolation
- Depression
How is it diagnosed?
Since there is no way to diagnose premenstrual syndrome in a laboratory, a good gynaecological history must be taken to ensure that the symptoms:
- Are present 5 days before her period, for at least three continuous menstrual cycles.
- End at least 4 days after the period began.
- Inhibit some of her daily activities
It is important that a woman keeps a journal of how she experiences her symptoms, as well as when they occur in relation to her period.
Are there any other conditions that may produce the same symptoms?
Of course there are. Some of them are the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Perimenopause
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic fatigue
Are there any conditions that may worsen due to premenstrual syndrome?
Besides depression and anxiety disorders, there are other conditions that may deteriorate such as, for example, asthma, allergies, migraines and epileptic seizures.
Is there a treatment?
Treatment depends on the intensity of the symptoms. If the pain is not tolerable and it affects her daily routine, medication should be administered. In less severe cases, changing one’s diet, exercise, getting enough sleep, calcium, magnesium and vitamins E and B may alleviate the symptoms.
Additionally, relaxation exercises such us breathing regulation, yoga, getting a massage and meditation can also be helpful.
Which foods help?
Foods rich in complex carbohydrates may help with low mood and cravings. Such foods are whole-wheat bread, pasta and cereal. Also, brown rice and lentils are a good choice.
- Foods rich in calcium such as yoghurt and green vegetables.
- Drastic decrease in fats, salt, sugar, coffee and alcohol is important.
- Maintaining sugar blood levels stable, is helpful. Therefore, by reducing the amount we eat during our three main meals, we can add another three small ones in between (e.g. 10 almonds, a piece of fruit, a yoghurt).
