What is it
It is a state of temporary emotional instability, sometimes even very pronounced, accompanied by other physical symptoms. It affects many women of childbearing age in the 5-10 days before the start of menstruation.
Usually the symptoms disappear with the arrival of menstruation and only occasionally – especially coinciding with the beginning of menopause – can they last for a few subsequent days.
Causes
PMS is linked to abrupt changes in estrogen and progesterone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle. These hormones are also involved in the body’s responses to stress.
In particular, through mechanisms not yet perfectly understood, these hormonal fluctuations interfere with the metabolism of some brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA.
Hormonal fluctuations are also due to the transient fluid retention and a slight electrolyte imbalance in the blood that are observed during the period.
Did you know that nutrition is essential to avoid having these problems? Read the article The good cycle comes with eating.
Most common symptoms
The intensity and duration of symptoms is extremely variable from woman to woman, but sometimes also from cycle to cycle.
The most complained symptom concerns mood alteration, characterized by irritability, nervousness, crying crises, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and depression. Headache, dizziness and palpitations are also often present.
Water retention causes a temporary increase in weight and breast size with an annoying sense of tension. The limbs, especially the legs and ankles, may also appear swollen.
There are also frequent variations in appetite, a sense of swelling in the abdomen, constipation and sometimes even nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
In lighter forms, some simple measures may be sufficient, such as supplementation with a vitamin B complex (and in particular with vitamin B6, necessary for the body’s synthesis of serotonin), magnesium (useful against headaches and abdominal and muscle cramps) and a reduction in salt intake (to combat water retention).
If the symptoms are more marked, hormone therapy is resorted to, with oral contraceptives. There are formulations of contraceptives specially designed to combat premenstrual syndrome that also include a mild diuretic.
When among the symptoms there is a marked change in mood in a depressive sense, serotonergic antidepressant drugs (SSRIs) may also be prescribed.
A change in lifestyles can also be useful, trying to do regular physical activity, sleeping an adequate number of hours and avoiding foods rich in glutamate, which has an exciting action on the snow system, favoring irritability.
When to consult your doctor
If the disorder is likely to interfere with your work, daily activities or family or social relationships, it is good to contact your doctor.
It may be helpful to keep a diary of your mood swings for two to three months, which can help your doctor distinguish PMS from other possible mood disorders.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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