Premenstrual Syndrome Information You Need
| Basics |
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Premenstrual syndrome refers to the emotional and physical changes that usually take place seven to 10 days prior to menstruation and may disappear just before or at the start of menstruation.
The menstrual cycle reflects the changes that occur in the endometrium -- the membrane lining the uterus. The menstrual cycle is generally divided into phases: the follicular (proliferative) phase, ovulation and the luteal (or secretory) phase. The follicular phase includes menstrual bleeding followed by proliferation -- growth and thickening -- of the endometrium. It usually lasts 10 to 14 days. At ovulation (usually day 14 in a 28-day cycle), the proliferative stage ends and the secretory (luteal) phase begins, which lasts about 14 days. This is also commonly known as the premenstrual period. As they approach menstruation, about three-quarters of all women report some symptoms of uneasiness. It is an unwelcome part of the menstrual cycle for many women.
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| Symptoms |
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- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also called late-luteal disorder, is a condition marked by severe mood swings, increased tension and anger, irritability, sadness, and unexplained crying. Emotional hypersensitivity is common with PMS.
- Physical symptoms include weight gain, headaches, skin problem, bloating, breast tenderness, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Disturbance in sleep or lack of sleep.
- Attacks of Problem due to narrowing of air passage, migraines, seizures and heart attacks.
- Dysmenorrhea (cramps) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding).
- Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- Food cravings or bingeing.
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| Prevention |
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It is recommended for the women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome to:
- Decrease sugar and sodium intake and increase protein intake.
- Increasing magnesium and calcium intake to help reduce cramping.
- Discuss your PMS problems with your partner. Try to work together to deal with emotional and
physical changes.
- Reduce ankle swelling by elevating legs
- Limit the intake of caffeine found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola drinks. Caffeine can increase irritability and breast
tenderness
- Avoid alcohol, especially if depression is one of your symptoms.
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| Causes |
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Premenstrual syndrome is the result of hormonal changes and the fluctuating hormone levels in the body prior to menstruation. Symptoms may result from physiological events or psychological and cultural attitudes or a combination of both. It has been testified that women in different cultures experience premenstrual events differently.
Calcium and magnesium levels vary widely during the menstrual cycle, and some researchers believe certain imbalances in these minerals may play a part in premenstrual disorder.
High concentrations of estrogen and luteinizing hormone, which is released by the pituitary gland during the premenstrual phase, were associated with severe symptoms in women with PMS.
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| Diagnosis |
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As no single laboratory test can diagnose PMS, the doctor may want to order laboratory tests to make sure you don't have some other problem with symptoms like those of PMS.
The only method for obtaining a clear picture of premenstrual syndrome is charting the symptoms over two or three months using a severity index of one to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Women should begin recording their symptoms on day one of the cycle, which is the day bleeding begins. Symptoms should be divided into physical (e.g., bloating, headaches, weight gain, aches and pains, breast tenderness) and emotional (e.g., Depression, anger, changes in sexual drive, irritability). Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are not part of PMS. The record should also include specific events that might contribute to emotional or physical responses. If the symptoms consistently resolve at the onset of menstruation, then they are most likely caused by hormonal fluctuations. If certain symptoms, such as depression or breast pain, continue or do not follow a menstrual pattern, they are probably due to other conditions. Depression that persists could indicate a serious mood disorder. Breast pain that is not cyclical can be due to injury, a previous biopsy (pain can last for two years after this event), lung Problem created due to harmful organism, or arthritis. A condition called costochondritis, in which the joint between the ribs and breastbone is inflamed, can cause breast pain. This can be detected if pain is triggered by pushing down on the breastbone near the rib or by taking a deep breath.
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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- Eat a whole-foods diet.
- Minimize caffeine, alcohol, salt, sugar, and refined foods.
- Avoid excess animal fat and partially hydrogenated and refined vegetable oils and fried foods.
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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Colour the room bright, rather than dingy. Keep your home well lit. Listening to music or getting a relaxing massage is helpful. |
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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Try to maintain a positive attitude, and keep positive thoughts running in your mind. Think about the happy or more pleasant experiences of your life. |
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| Additional Information |
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PMS Forte, PMS Formula & PMS Nutritional Formula are the dietary supplements that contain blend of vitamins and minerals. Calcium is an important mineral that exhibits its positive effects on menstrual problems and discomfort associated with it. 1, 2, 7 Magnesium is an essential mineral that shows its beneficial effects on menstrual cramps and different menstrual problems. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 Pms Support is a dietary supplement that contains a herb Vitex that exhibits its wholesome effects on menstrual problems. 1, 2, 3, 4 It also contains a herb Dong quai that shows its advantageous effects on various menstrual problems and discomfort associated with menstruation. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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