March 26th, 2009 by George B. Siba
by George B. Siba
PMS is a collection of symptoms taking place with a cyclical pattern and related to the menstrual cycle. These symptoms can get in the way with the quality of life of everyone involved. PMS is common among most women. This is an explanation of what it is, what the symptoms are, and a few suggestions that may help ease them.
PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It can stand for many other things like potential murder suspect, potty mouth syndrome, people make me sick, provide me sweets, pretty miserable situation or possible munching spree. It is more than just an excuse for women to eat a gallon of chocolate ice cream and be irritable.
PMS is a real medical condition; it usually occurs after ovulation, between 7 to 14 days before menses, usually symptoms vanish either before or after the start of menstrual flow. The exact cause of PMS is not totally understood, the level of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates as well as the level of the brain chemical serotonin.
PMS is a set of hormonal changes that generate a variety of symptoms in women; it is more than just mood swings. There are serious symptoms including bloating, cramps, headaches, fatigue, crying spells, mood swings, back pain, anxiety, swollen and tender breasts, anxiety, acne, fatigue, food cravings, insomnia, depression, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal pain. There are over 150 PMS symptoms and they can be so severe that they are disabling. The symptoms vary in severity from woman to woman and from month to month.
This is not a good time for the woman, man need to understand this and give them lots of space when needed. A gentle massage and understanding can diminish the pain and tension during this time. Flowers at the right time can also help.
No one knows for sure what causes the hormonal shift, and there is no sure cure that works for everyone every time. Most women who seek help from their doctor for premenstrual syndrome believe that they are not given helpful treatment options. Lifestyle changes and the right doctor can do wonders.
PMS is not caused by stress or emotions. PMS can make stress, emotions and several other conditions worse.
The best way to approach it is to recognize your individual symptoms. Start a diary; try to identify the things that make you feel worse and what makes you feel better. Try adding new foods and cutting down on the foods that you know you should not eat. Keep track of your symptoms.
A lack in of certain vitamins and minerals may affect the level of the hormones during the menstrual cycle. A typical western diet includes too much processed foods, sugar, food additives and salt. Most of the processed foods are not a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Some believe that PMS is either a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet or deficiencies in the body which can be corrected by a better diet. Many times a change in diet and certain vitamins and minerals have been highly effective. There is no single vitamin or mineral which is appropriate in every case. Which supplements and how much depends on each individual woman.
Caffeine has been shown to amplify premenstrual breast swelling and sensitivity.
Getting adequate B vitamins can help with irritability and fatigue during this time.
Calcium supplements are recommended for reducing cramps and back pain. They are also good for preventing osteoporosis and for bone health. Good calcium sources are baked beans, broccoli, kale, collards, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, fortified soy milk, milk, yogurt, cheese, and supplements. Several fruit juices, fruit drinks, tofu and cereals are calcium-fortified.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can obtain vitamin D from food and your body can also make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Stay away from salt to decrease bloating and fluid retention.
During menstruation many women can get slightly anemic for the short term, taking iron supplements and eating foods high in iron can help with fatigue.
Hormones are very sensitive to diet, exercise, and sleep. Making changes in those areas can make a big difference in the way you feel.
A great place to find help is the Women’s Nutritional Advisory Service. They have the very latest scientifically based non-drug self-help information in helping women overcome their symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, irritable bowel syndrome, and a whole host of other conditions.
Women’s Nutritional Advisory Service can provide you with a program based on the answers to an extremely comprehensive questionnaire. They will give you a detailed programme of which foods to eat at each meal. Diet sheets and shopping lists are given to make starting easy. This will help you to find out the exact nutritional cause of PMS and then work out a nutritional program to overcome your symptoms.
Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.