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.

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 PMS?

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.