Emotional imbalances are not the only sign or symptom of PMS. Many women repetitively face not only depression or irritability, but also a series of physical discomforts that interfere with life in the days leading up to the first day of their period. More than two thirds of women deal with at least one symptom of PMS on a monthly basis.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
Because of the changing levels of hormones during ovulation, chemicals in the brain alter as well, specifically serotonin, which is responsible for mood stability. Stress, hormones, and an emotional reaction to pain combine to create any number of emotional difficulties, from depression to anxiety to irritability to uncontrollable tears. While many claim that women utilize the “myth” of PMS to behave abnormally, just as many women find that strange alterations in their mood herald the beginning of their period. For true PMS, emotional symptoms disappear with the beginning of menstruation each month. A small number of women have very extreme emotional issues, which may be the less well known premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more severe form of PMS.
Strange cravings may emerge, along with insatiable hunger, also stemming from fluctuating hormones. The body often craves foods containing nutrients specific to its needs. Additionally, some women may find they try to avoid social situations and other people, have difficulty concentrating, and may fight insomnia or fatigue. As hormones and chemicals wax and wane, the body, and so the mind, can have a difficult time keeping up with it.
Physical Symptoms
Cramping, or dysmenorrhea, is perhaps the ultimate physical symptoms of PMS. Contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining monthly can be so severe as to cut off blood vessels to the uterus, causing cramps. Other aches and pains may be present as well. Some women experience headaches, backaches, tender breasts, and general joint or muscle pain. Fluid retention causes problem during PMS as well. The body retains too much water, leading to weight gain and abdominal bloating, especially for those with a high-sodium diet. Gastrointestinal symptoms may manifest as diarrhea or constipation, as a result of the hormonal changes, abdominal pain, and strange dietary changes. Extra fiber can help alleviate these symptoms during menstruation time. Hormonal levels may also lead to acne breakouts. Many women face an increase of pimples or oilier faces in the days leading up to their period.
Not every woman faces the same symptoms; some may only have to deal with one, while others may struggle to manage all of them. Severity ranges from woman to woman as well; symptoms may be moderately irritable to downright debilitating. A wide range of treatments and lifestyle measures may help make PMS more manageable. A supportive environment can be one of the most helpful things a women dealing with PMS can have.
