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What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome is the term used for
the physical and emotional symptoms that some women have during
the week or two before their menstrual period. These symptoms may
also continue during their period.
Premenstrual syndrome is commonly called PMS. It affects 90 percent
of all women, but the symptoms vary from person to person. Physical
and emotional symptoms range from almost unnoticed to severe. Severe
symptoms may seriously disrupt daily life.
How does it occur?
PMS is related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. An
imbalance of female hormones may contribute to the problem in some
cases. Some research suggests that women who don't have enough zinc,
magnesium, vitamins E and B6, or certain fatty acids in their diets
are more likely to have PMS.
What are the symptoms?
Physical symptoms may include:
Bloated stomach
Swollen feet or hands
Tender, enlarged breasts
Crampy lower abdominal pain
Weight gain
Joint pain
Headache
Backache
Skin rash, blemishes, or bruising
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Sinus headaches or drainage with sore
throat
Changed eating habits, with cravings.
Emotional symptoms may include:
Irritability
Anger
Depression
Anxiety
Crying spells
Tension
Fatigue
How can I take care of myself?
Know what your symptoms of PMS are and when they occur. You can
then change your diet, exercise, and schedule in ways that help
PMS to pass as smoothly as possible. Join a support group for women
dealing with the challenges of PMS. Call your physician if you have
severe symptoms or notice that they vary from one month to the next.
There may be a more serious underlying cause for your condition
that needs treatment.
What can be done to help prevent Premenstrual Syndrome?
Because there are still some uncertainties about the cause of PMS,
there is often no reliable way to prevent it. You may be able to
lessen the symptoms by following your doctor's recommendations for
treatment. |
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