Mood swings, pain, stress, uncontrollable cravings... As soon as women reach childbearing age, they suffer from various complaints. The Premenstrual Syndrome, primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycles, can lead to very disruptive symptoms in daily life. Here, the period underwear is extremely useful, as it is soft and comfortable to wear and prevents the first small stains that usually come without warning. That said, there are solutions to alleviate the symptoms, but let’s first try to understand why menstruation can sometimes be painful even before it has started.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
This term encompasses the various symptoms that occur some time before menstruation. This usually starts 7 to 2 days before your period and disappears with the onset of menstruation or a few days later.
About three-quarters of fertile women suffer from premenstrual syndrome with mild symptoms (uterine cramps, tolerable breast pain...). This does not prevent them from going about their daily activities. However, about 30% of women who are close to menstruation experience more severe symptoms.
The symptoms of this syndrome are sometimes confused with those of depression or premenopause. Therefore, it is important to establish that the disorder is indeed related to the menstrual cycle, that it has occurred multiple times a year before menstruation, and that it completely disappears for at least one week per month. The spotting has no effect on the syndrome, and the consistency of the menstrual blood is not directly related to PMS. Only after examining the various symptoms and their occurrence can this syndrome be reliably diagnosed.
Symptoms and Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome
The following symptoms are most commonly found in women who suffer from this syndrome:
- Abdominal cramps due to contractions of the uterus preparing for menstruation;
- Emotional disorders that can manifest in the form of mood swings, high irritability, aggressiveness, nervousness, hypersensitivity, or even as genuine depression;
- More or less severe headaches or migraines;
- Sleep disorders (insomnia or hypersomnia);
- Decreased libido;
- Swollen, sensitive breasts, heavy, swollen legs, weight gain, swollen lower abdomen... all of this is due to water retention;
- Skin problems (acne);
- Appetite disorders;
- Strong Fatigue or Anemia ;
- Muscle pain, especially in the lower back area;
At the same time, other health problems can be exacerbated by PMS. For example, chronic headaches, asthma attacks, and allergies can worsen. The severity of the symptoms varies for each woman, but their cause is the same: the discomfort arises from hormonal fluctuations and ovulation. During the second half of the cycle, estrogen decreases while progesterone increases. Without fertilization, in the absence of pregnancy, progesterone decreases again. Estrogen causes painful swelling of the breasts, and this symptom intensifies with insufficient progesterone production. Furthermore, the brain's perception of these hormonal fluctuations is thought to explain the psychological symptoms experienced by affected women.
What can I do against premenstrual syndrome?
There are natural solutions to relieve pain that occurs before menstruation. Remember to regularly massage the affected area to promote circulation. If the area is severely swollen and painful (e.g., your breasts), you can place a towel filled with ice cubes in your bra. For abdominal cramps, a hot water bottle can help, as can certain body positions like the candle. To do this, lie on your back and raise your legs vertically upwards.
Other remedies also have pain-relieving effects. Flat-leaved parsley can alleviate stomach pain, while evening primrose and borage can help with breast tension. As a preventive measure, you can also specifically consume dairy products and vitamin-rich foods (especially vitamin E). Soy is known to reduce hormonal disorders, and it is also a calcium-rich food. Homeopathic remedies can also be a solution.
Emotional, behavioral, and psychological disorders are more difficult to treat. Avoid, if possible, important deadlines or appointments during the time of the premenstrual syndrome. To prevent your cravings (sudden and uncontrollable desire for sweets or savory foods), remember to consume diuretic foods, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stress management is also very important. Take time from time to time to relax in a spa or do yoga and, if possible, practice relaxing disciplines such as meditation. In severe disorders, medication may also be necessary. Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or contraceptives to regulate the cycle and reduce symptoms caused by fluctuations in sex hormones.
Risk factors and age-related changes
Some women are more susceptible to premenstrual syndrome than others. If your mother or sister suffers from PMS, the likelihood is higher that you will also have PMS. Other factors that can worsen the symptoms include smoking as well as excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants. Lack of exercise, obesity, sleep deprivation, and calcium deficiency also increase the risk of suffering from this syndrome. And stress also contributes to exacerbating the symptoms.
The physical and psychological signs of the syndrome also depend on the woman's age. The complaints are generally more pronounced after puberty and between the ages of 20 and 30 due to hormonal changes. After the age of 30, many women experience a reduction in symptoms with motherhood. The production of prolactin, which stops menstruation for a certain period, can help young mothers get rid of PMS for a while. Otherwise, the pain generally decreases significantly as a result of changes in the body, except for women who have taken the pill. The transition phase between stopping contraception and pregnancy can be difficult. After the age of 40 and at the beginning of menopause, disturbances due to the hormonal imbalance that precedes the cessation of menstruation can become more pronounced again.
See our article about the Color of the monthly flow.
