What is PreMenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a collection of symptoms caused by hormones that are prevalent in the body before a woman starts her monthly period. These symptoms are psychological, emotional and physical. The length and severity of the symptoms varies with every woman. Nobody experiences PMS the same way. The start of PMS is normally one to two weeks before a woman’s period begins.
There are many factors that can make PMS worse. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and natural stimulants can all aggravate PMS symptoms. Increasing age, depression and stress will also make PMS symptoms more intense.
PMS is for the most part an annoyance that can be dealt with, but when the symptoms are so bad that they disrupt a woman’s life it is called PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMD).
If your PMS symptoms are so bad that you cannot live your life when you have them, you may have PMD and you should see your doctor.
Physical pre-menstrual symptoms are bloating, water retention, fatigue, cramping, headaches, breast pain, migraines, joint and muscle pain, acne, diarrhoea and constipation. Some of the emotional symptoms are crying easily, irritability and changes in libido. You may also experience insomnia, hot flashes and increased anxiety.
Many women find themselves craving salty foods or chocolate. Many healthy diets have been undone because of PMS food cravings.
Women also may find themselves crying about things that would never normally bother them. They also may have trouble dealing with stress and cloths may not feel to fit correctly.
Natural Remedies For PMS Treatment
Many problems with PMS may be caused by a drop in blood calcium and vitamin D so it is important to get plenty of dairy or take a supplement the weeks before your period begins.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake and drink more water. Drinking more water when you are already bloated sounds bad, but it does actually help your body flush out the extra fluid retention.
Getting exercise releases endorphins that can relieve the pain of cramps and help stabilize your mood. You can also take ibuprofen because it will help relieve the cramping and breast pain and breast swelling.
You can also use a heating pad to help relieve the pain of cramps. A diet high in fibber and leafy green vegetables as well as yoghurt will help keep your digestive tract from suffering. Getting enough essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms. Black cohosh is a good supplement to help balance hormones. Cayenne pepper and ginger taken together help increase blood flow and support uterine health.
Liquorice root will help women deal with the increased stress felt during PMS. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are good sources of the fatty acids your body needs to relieve Pre-menstrual symptoms.
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