Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), also known as premenstrual tension (PMT), is an uncomfortable symptom, found in women. Women may face both type of disturbance, emotional as well as physical during the menstrual cycle. It also includes mental and behavioral irritations. The basic symptoms consist of irritation, depression, weeping and a constant change in the mood. These symptoms occur before the start of the women's period. The symptom of premenstrual syndrome is visible on constant basis few days before the menses. And these symptoms usually go away with the flow of 1 to 2 days.
Premenstrual syndrome was discovered by the medical science, 6 to 7 decades ago, although it’s existence lies way before it got the recognition. PMS is a major health concern for 80 to 90 % of the women. Almost two out of three women has some or the other symptoms related to PMS. The symptoms may disappear at any stage, before or after the menstrual flow. Only little percentage of women endures the complex symptoms. But the one, who faces the severe PMS, ruptures activities on daily purpose.
More critical condition examined by many women is PMDD, which stands for, premenstrual dysphoric disorder. During this phase women faces high depression. A woman may have any one disorder either PMS or PMDD, or may have both the disorders. Premenstrual syndrome develops during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. This phase appears immediately after the release of egg from the ovary and exists from day 14 through day 28 of a typical menstrual cycle.
PMS can be diagnosed, but there is no unique test for doing so. If a woman is facing few emotional pains, which includes irritation, depression or tension, she may have PMS. Also, if the emotional setbacks occur during luteal phase, with unpredictability, PMS may be the cause. The symptoms should severely affect the daily activities of the individual.
Premenstrual syndrome is related to imbalance of estrogen and progesterone levels. Besides, presence of aldosterone in excess may catalyze the premenstrual syndrome. Metabolism changes in the body also increases the chance of getting PMS. Cyclic water retention too is a cause for premenstrual syndrome in women. There is lots of risk factor embedded with PMS. Levels of some vitamins and minerals may decrease and cause weakness in the body. Intake of caffeine and tobacco cause health related problems.
Premenstrual syndrome can be worked out with medical facilities as well as by changing a little bit of the lifestyle. General steps that can be followed, includes, regular exercise procedures, quitting smoking and alcohol, stopping the intake of caffeine and avoiding intake of salt. Family and friends can provide the emotional support that is required during premenstrual syndrome disorder. Calcium supplements increases the overall effectiveness.
It's up to the individual that she should identify the symptoms as fast as possible. Family support is must during premenstrual syndrome and after the detection of the symptoms, a specialist should be consulted.
