Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Days of Nightmares

It is common for a female to suffer from some physical and mental discomfort just before some days of menstruation. This may not be termed as disease; this is somewhat a natural phenomenon. If it becomes excessive and interrupts the normal living of a female then it is called Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). This sign and symptoms appear at least a week before the menstruation and simply go away after the onset of menstruation.

Cause/ Etiology:

There is no specific reason for which a female suffers from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Mostly it is Cryptogenic. Research is still going on to find out the causes behind this. But there are some common concepts which partially explain why PMS happens.

• Estrogen & Progesterone hormonal imbalance.
• Improper or interrupted Pituitary secretions (this plays pivotal role).
• Stressful lifestyle, increased work-load
• Depressive disorder
• Pseudocyesis.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fluid and hormonal imbalance
  • Pain in breast
  • Edema in limbs
  • Weight gain
• Attitude changes
  • Irritability / agitation
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
• Others
  • Constipation
  • Acne
  • Palpitation / tachycardia
  • Fatigue
  • Non-coordination / lack of concentration

Key to get free:

Generally school going teenagers and female of 30-40 years age group are more prone to suffer from this. Some specific changes in lifestyle may be of help to get rid of it.

• Avoid excess amount of raw table salt during meal just seven to ten days before period (approximate time).
• Vitamin A supplementation helps during this period my increasing the production and secretion of Progesterone.
• Vitamin E supplementation reduces the pain of breast.
• Vitamin B6 helps to fight against depression and neurosis during this period.
• Avoid fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks.
• Have more protein, vegetables and fresh fruit.
• Have adequate amount of fresh water.
• Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day will decrease stress and wipe out insomnia.

Severe form of PMS causes interruption to perform normal pursuit of a female and it may cause misunderstanding with other family members of the family. In that case preventive measure alone can’t help you out. Better to see a doctor and follow the advice. Proper support, both Physical & mental, by the other family members is a must to help a female to come out of this kind of health hazard.