What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that can occur in the days leading up to your period. These symptoms can include:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Food cravings
PMS is a very common condition, affecting up to 90% of women. The severity of PMS symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
What causes PMS?
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. These hormone fluctuations can affect the levels of other chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins. This can lead to PMS symptoms.
How can you manage PMS?
There are a number of things you can do to manage PMS symptoms. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
If your PMS symptoms are severe, you may want to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Tips for managing PMS
Here are some tips for managing PMS symptoms:
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels.
- Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It can also help to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
- Reduce stress. Stress can worsen PMS symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve PMS symptoms such as headaches and cramps.
You should see a doctor if your PMS symptoms are severe or if they are interfering with your daily life. Your doctor can help you to find the best way to manage your PMS symptoms