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 in some girls, even the closest people will not notice any changes, while in others, even colleagues or fellow students are aware of the changes in her physiology.

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

A combination of three letters for someone is just an insignificant name, but for someone monthly torments that torment not only the ladies themselves, but also their soulmates. Representatives of the stronger sex, who are 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, which are divided into two groups: psychological (behavioral) and physiological.

Psychological changes:

• frequent mood swings;
• increased irritability;
• tearfulness;
• fast fatiguability;
• fears and incomprehensible anxiety;
• aggression.

Physiologically, the syndrome can manifest itself as follows:

• pulling painful sensations in the lower abdomen;
• aches all over the body;
• enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands, heaviness in them;
• increased or loss of appetite;
• headaches;
• swelling.

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

PMS: in how many days it takes

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

It is worth noting that at different ages, PMS has its own course. Young girls who do not yet have children are less likely to suffer from the syndrome. But over time, everything changes, so over the years, women increasingly experience all the hardships of female nature. With age, there can be either addiction to these sensations, or, conversely, worsen.

How not to confuse PMS and pregnancy

PMS symptoms are similar to early pregnancy signs, which sometimes confuses women and raises doubts. This is especially true for young girls who have not gained experience in this matter.

Yes, a swollen chest and a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen are baffling. 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 breast swells and aches all the time, preparing for lactation.
2. Lower abdominal pains accompany both PMS and pregnancy, but their nature is different. During pregnancy, the pain is short-term, unobtrusive, sometimes stabbing (present with implantation of the ovum), and during PMS, the etiology of pain is as variable and individual as possible, it can last at least a week.
3. With regard to changes in mood, the symptom of PMS is the manifestation of more negative emotions (fear, tears, oppression), and pregnancy is characterized by a brighter spectrum of manifestations of feelings, mostly positive.

In order not to get nervous once again, it is worth doing a pregnancy test, and for more patient ones - wait for menstruation.

How to get rid of PMS

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

1. Try to live a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking and alcohol will give you much more than you think. This greatly facilitates the course of the syndrome.
2. Watch your diet. Limit coffee and strong tea at least halfway through your cycle. It is worth drinking clean water, but do not overdo it, because excess fluid can lead to swelling.
3. Take vitamins. It is 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, ketans, tamipul).

Remember that following the principles of a healthy diet, quitting bad habits and exercising will give you much more relief than any pill.