Most women have tender breasts, bloating, and muscle aches a few days before they start their menstrual periods. These are normal premenstrual symptoms. But when they affect your daily life, they are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can affect your body as well as your mood. Sometimes it can make you change the way you act.
Some women first get PMS in their teens or 20s. Others don't get it until their 30s. The symptoms may get worse in your late 30s and 40s, as you approach perimenopause.
What causes PMS?
PMS is tied to hormone changes that happen during your menstrual cycle. Doctors don't fully know why premenstrual symptoms are worse in some women than in others. They do know that for many women, PMS runs in the family. (I know it runs in mine…haha)
Not getting enough vitamin B6, calcium, or magnesium in the food you eat can increase your chances of getting PMS. High stress, a lack of exercise, and too much caffeine can make your symptoms worse.
What are the symptoms?
PMS symptoms can affect your body, your mood, and how you act in the days or week leading up to your menstrual period.
Physical signs include:
- Acne.
- Bloating and tender breasts.
- Food cravings.
- Lack of energy.
- Cramps.
- Headaches.
- Low back pain.
When you have PMS, you might also:
- Feel sad, angry, or anxious.
- Be less alert.
- Find it hard to focus on tasks.
- Want to withdraw from family and friends.
- Act in a forceful or hostile way.
PMS symptoms can be. If your symptoms are severe, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Now, PMDD is very rare.
How is PMS diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask questions about yoursymptoms and do a physical exam. It’s important to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by something else, like thyroid disease.
Your doctor will want you to track your symptoms for 2 to 3 months by keeping a written record of how you feel. This is called a menstrual diary. It can help you track when your symptoms start, how bad they are, and how long they last. Your doctor can use this diary to help diagnose PMS.
How is it treated?
A few lifestyle changes will probably help you feel better. Eat healthy foods, exercise at least 3 times a week, and take vitamin B6 and extra calcium. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and salt. If you smoke, quit. For pain, try aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), or another anti-inflammatory medicine.
You will likely feel some relief from your symptoms after a few menstrual cycles. If you don't, talk to your doctor. He or she can prescribe medicine for many PMS problems, such as bloating.
Now, here’s a good home remedy for menstrual cramps…
Did you know that forcing an orgasm while experiencing menstrual cramps will lessen, if not eliminate them?
It's true!
So, grab your favorite waterproof bullet or vibe next time you're having horrid cramps and head to the bathtub...don't worry about any mess you might make...it'll go down the drain...
The forced, involuntary muscle contractions (which are, by definition, an Orgasm) assist your body in doing what it's trying to do by cramping in the first place!
If you don't believe me, that's fine...but try it before you make up your mind...
Article courtesy of WebMD and the lovely Leah Hamilton
