Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), also known Premenstrual Tension (PMT), describes a wide range of symptoms that occur up to about 14 days before a period, and soon disappear once the period starts. These symptoms - which can be both physical and emotional - are very common, particularly in the thirty to forty age group, where about 75 percent of women are prone to them.
Symptoms Of PMS
general aches and pains, backache
low libido
insomnia
hypoglycemia: cravings for sugar and chocolate
headaches and migraine
water retention: weight gain, bloating
swollen and tender breasts
period pains, dragging sensation in the lower abdomen
depression, crying, desperation
constipation or diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
fatigue, dizziness, fainting, lethargy
palpitations
poor co-ordination, clumsiness, physical tension
nervous tension, anxiety, mood swings, panic attacks
irritability, aggression, self-loathing, vulnerability
confusion, forgetfulness, poor concentration
increased tendency to sore throats, boils, styes, herpes
aggravations of chronic problems, or allergies such as
asthma, epilepsy, cystitis, rhinitis.
Some women suffer so badly from PMS that they feel agoraphobic or claustrophobic and may panic
so much about normal everyday things, like collecting children from school, driving the car,
relating to other people, that they stay at home, and can feel very isolated. Irritability and
bed temper may be so extreme as to cause physical aggression, which when directed towards loved
ones often causes guilt and depression. Depression can sometimes be so severe that it leads to
suicidal thoughts.
Factors Contributing To PMS
PMS is primarily caused by an imbalance of hormones, mostly an excess of estrogen in relation
to progesterone.
This is related to:
age - especially being over 30
hereditary disposition
stress and emotional problems
a sluggish liver
low thyroid function
deficiency of essential fatty acids and B vitamins
deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, vitamin C
chromium deficiency, calcium deficiency
constipation
high salt intake
over-consumption of caffeine and alcohol
over-consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates
lack of exercise
PMS is often precipitated by hormone changes occurring a puberty, after pregnancy,
or when ceasing to take the pill, and when restarting periods after a break due to illness,
loss of weight, or sterilization.
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