Premenstrual Syndrome — Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Janar Patel
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a commonly experienced condition that is prevalent amongst menstruating women. The term Pre-menstrual Syndrome(PMS) is implied to a wide array of physical and psychological symptoms that may occur a few days or a week before menstruation or after ovulation. In many cases, these symptoms can get so severe that they make the day-to-day lives of the sufferer difficult this is termed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD.

Symptoms Of Premenstrual syndrome:

Three out of every four women experience some premenstrual symptoms. However, there are numerous symptoms of PMS, the occurrence, severity and cause may vary in different women and even in the different menstrual period. The most common premenstrual symptoms include:

· Extreme Mood Swings

· Increased Anxiety

· Irritability

· Lightheadedness

· Tenderness and swelling in Breast

· Abdominal Bloating

· Fatigue

· Loss of libido or disinterest in sex

· Lack of concentration

· Depression

· Stiff neck

· Headache

· Indecisiveness

· Absent-mindedness

· Water retention causing weight gain

· Craving

· Sleep deprivation

· Joint pain

· Reduced immunity

· Swelling of ankles, feet, and hands

· Lower Backache

· Nausea

· Constipation or diarrhoea

· Lethargy

Most women with premenstrual syndrome experience only a few of these problems and the intensity may differ significantly.

Cause of Premenstrual Symptoms

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is not completely understood; however, several factors are linked to the condition.

· Genetic factors.

· Change in progesterone level.

· System neurotransmitter’s interaction with sex hormones.

· Fluctuation in hormone levels before menstruation.

· Low levels of serotonin.

· Deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

· Eating excessively salty foods which cause of fluid retention.

· Drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

· Drop in the level of Endorphin that occurs during the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle.

The causes of PMS may differ amongst individuals and intensify due to social, physical and environmental factors.

Treatment of Premenstrual syndrome

Conventional Treatment

In the conventional treatment of PMS, the remedies aim at suppressing the premenstrual symptoms. Hence, the remedies are based on the symptoms experienced,

· Anti-inflammatory drugs(Non-Steroidal) such as ibuprofen are prescribed for cramps and breast discomfort. COX-2 inhibitors are longer-acting NSAID drugs however risks such as heart attacks, strokes, serious skin reactions, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism are associated with the same.

· Oral contraceptives for controlling ovulation and stabilise hormonal imbalance such as Progesterone support are also prescribed in severe Premenstrual syndrome.

· Antianxiety drugs and antidepressants may also be prescribed in severe cases of mood swings, irritability, and concentration lapse.

· Diuretics to relief weight gain, breast swelling, and bloating.

Homeopathic Treatment of Premenstrual syndrome

Homeopathic Remedies for Premenstrual Syndrome, unlike conventional remedies, aim at curing the root cause of the symptoms rather than suppressing the same. This holistic science treats a person as a whole, thus, the Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome are prescribed after a full individualised examination of each case, which includes the medical history of the patient along with their physical and mental constitution.

Due to the high individualization of Homeopathic remedies for premenstrual syndrome, self-medication is highly discouraged. The all-natural, side-effect free remedies reduce the symptoms of PMS and reduce future occurrences of the same.

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