PMS: description, signs, what to do

Every woman who has reached a certain age is familiar with a condition that portends the imminent onset of menstruation. Of course, we are all different, so for some girls even the closest people will not notice any changes, while for others even colleagues or fellow students are aware of the changes in their physiology.

We are talking about PMS (premenstrual syndrome) - a special hormonal condition that foreshadows changes of a cyclical nature.

For some, a combination of three letters is just an insignificant name, but for others it is a monthly torment that torments not only the ladies themselves, but also their significant other. Representatives of the stronger sex, familiar with the syndrome only in theory, imagine it as a condition accompanied by tearfulness, irritability, and sometimes aggression of their loved ones. This superficial perception is partly true, but in fact the syndrome has a deeper background.

PMS symptoms

This syndrome has a complex of symptoms that are divided into two groups: psychological (behavioral) and physiological.

Mental changes:

• frequent mood changes;
• increased irritability;
• tearfulness;
• fatigue;
• fears and incomprehensible anxiety;
• aggression.

Physiologically, the syndrome can manifest itself as follows:

• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• aches throughout the body;
• enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands, heaviness in them;
• increase or loss of appetite;
• headaches;
• swelling.

The above list does not mean that every woman experiences everything at once. Each lady already has her own outlined signs, from which she understands that her period will soon come.

PMS: how many days does it take to manifest?

In its mild form, PMS can appear from two to ten days before the start of the cycle, manifesting itself in three to four symptoms. In more severe cases, the syndrome makes itself felt even two weeks before menstruation, tormenting the woman with 4-5 symptoms.

It is worth noting that PMS varies at different ages. Young girls who do not yet have children are less susceptible to the syndrome. But over time, everything changes, so over the years, women increasingly experience all the hardships of female nature. With age, one may either become accustomed to these sensations, or, conversely, worsen.

How not to confuse PMS and pregnancy

Symptoms of PMS can be similar to early signs of pregnancy, which sometimes puzzles women and makes them doubt. This is especially true for young girls who have not gained experience in this matter.

Yes, swollen breasts and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen are puzzling. Let's figure out how to distinguish one from the other.

1. Painful sensations in the chest during PMS last a maximum of a week, while during pregnancy the breasts swell and ache all the time, preparing for lactation.
2. Pain in the lower abdomen accompanies both PMS and pregnancy, but their nature is different. During pregnancy, the pain is short-term, unobtrusive, sometimes stabbing (present during implantation of the fertilized egg), and during PMS, the etiology of pain is extremely variable and individual, and can last at least a week.
3. As for changes in mood, a symptom of PMS is the manifestation of more negative emotions (fear, tears, depression), and pregnancy is characterized by a brighter spectrum of feelings, mostly positive.

In order not to be nervous again, it is worth taking a test to determine pregnancy, and for those who are more patient, wait for your period.

How to get rid of PMS

There are simple principles that will help alleviate the symptoms of the disease or even get rid of PMS.

1. Try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking and alcohol will give you much more than you think. This significantly alleviates the course of the syndrome.
2. Watch your diet. At least in the middle of the cycle, limit your consumption of coffee and strong tea. It is worth drinking clean water, but do not overdo it, because excess liquid can lead to swelling.
3. Take vitamins. It has been noted that vitamins A and D reduce the risk of acne during PMS, and vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mammary glands.

PMS treatment

There are therapeutic measures designed to alleviate the course of the disease. Doctors prescribe an integrated approach:

• sedatives;
• taking vitamins and magnesium;
• hormonal drugs (after an accurate diagnosis of a lack or excess of hormones);
• taking painkillers in case of severe pain (diclofenac, ketanov, tamipul).

Remember that following the principles of a healthy diet, giving up bad habits and playing sports will give you much more relief than any pill.