Do not ignore your Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

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By Ratibha Kaushal

Premenstrual syndrome or menstrual molimina is a group of symptoms which many women experience 1-2 weeks before and sometimes during their periods.

The symptoms may include but are not limited to moodiness, outbursts, confusion, depression, irritability, guiltiness and tearfulness.

Although there can be a number of other reasons for someone to experience such symptoms yet PMS is the most common explanation.

PMS symptoms result as a response to the body’s normal reactions to its physical and emotional disturbance. In addition to this, some people may also experience physical symptoms such as bloating of abdomen, headache, swelling or tenderness in breast tissue and swelling of legs and arms during a menstrual cycle.

Not everyone experiences PMS symptoms and there could be multiple factors, some of which may even be related to genetics.

A scientific theory states that PMS is caused by an interaction between sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and neurotransmitters. There are ways to know when to seek medical advice.

If you experience any of the following you should seek advice from your family physician:

1. Any one of the mood symptoms along with any one of the physical symptoms occurring during the five days before the start of menses.

2. If symptoms occur consistently for three cycles

3. If symptoms do not resolve on their own within 4 days of start of cycle

The best way to document your symptoms are maintaining a diary accounting every day symptoms, adding information to health apps to keep track of symptoms. If symptoms are bothersome, affecting your work life, and day-to-day activities then it is a good idea to consult a family physician.

Meanwhile, there are certain lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and some multivitamins which are found to be effective and have proven to relieve these symptoms. If they don’t work there are some medical options that can be prescribed by a family physician if lifestyle changes fail to make a difference.

Ratibha Kaushal is an International medical graduate