Living with PMS

PMS or premenstrual syndrome affects millions of women every day. It is a disorder that emerges up to two weeks before the onset of their menstrual period. This disorder is thought to be due to hormonal changes in the body that is the cause of over 150 different symptoms to occur.

The most common symptoms are those of fatigue and headache; but some of the other symptoms that it can cause are weight gain, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, mood swings, dizziness, tender breasts, bloating, aches, pains, and back pain, as well as many more.

A woman with PMS will have these symptoms until her period starts and they will slowly subside until the next menstrual cycle. However, PMS can skip cycles and this is not at all unusual. As a woman ages premenstrual syndrome may worsen until menopause and the symptoms may become more severe.

Diagnosing PMS is based on symptoms and it is helpful to keep a diary of your lifestyle and anything that might be affecting or contributing to your PMS symptoms. These symptoms can also be present in other conditions, such as problems with the thyroid, panic attacks, diabetes, early menopause, and anxiety so it is important to rule out those conditions first before concluding that it is truly a PMS condition.

Living with PMS is a challenge, as your mood swings and physical discomforts increase the obstacles you face on a daily basis. Your physical condition will be impacted and you are not apt to feel up to par feeling unable to carry out your usual activities.

Emotionally, relationships can be strained between you and your loved ones and co-workers, as you are not mentally feeling quite yourself. PMS can cause you to act in an undesirable manner that people just do not want to be around. With the love of an understanding family and co-workers you can get through this difficult aspect of womanhood.

There are several treatments that can help you cope with living with PMS. These would include diet, exercise, stress reduction, and/or medication.

If you feel that you have PMS and it is interfering with your activities of daily living and relationships it is important that you seek help in order to help you to deal with your situation. Remember, all women have the above noted symptoms at various times in their life, but PMS is only a diagnosis if it is making your everyday life and relationships difficult to carry out.

If you feel that you may have PMS see your physician for possible remedies or coping strategies that will help you through your difficult times. There is a better way and a physician’s guidance and treatment will help you to better be able to overcome this.

RESOURCES

Hyla Cass: You Don\’t Have to Live with PMS

Dr Oz: PMDD: When PMS Interferes with Life and Living

Cleveland Clinic: PMS and PMDD

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Evening Primrose Oil

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh