subject: What Is Premenstrual Syndrome? [print this page] What is premenstrual syndrome exactly? You may suspect you have some of the symptoms each month, as you are prone to crying often or you have severe menstrual cramps. It's possible that you are suffering from premenstrual syndrome, but you may also have an underlying mood disorder or thyroid problem. In this article, you will learn more about the symptoms, what to do about them and where to get your questions answered.
Have you talked to your doctor about what exactly premenstrual syndrome is? If so, he or she may have given you a list of the symptoms that affect at least 80% of all women who menstruate. You may have mood swings that make you anxious, irritable or teary suddenly for no real reason at all. You may be prone to binge eating, craving sweets and carbohydrates. You'll retain more water, feel bloated, suffer frequent headaches and have aching breasts. You may have mild or moderate insomnia or extreme fatigue.
These premenstrual related symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but they don't usually interfere with daily activities. The severity will vary from woman to woman, from mild to severe, yet once menstruation begins, these symptoms subside until the following month.
Often times, when women are researching the condition, they come across another term; premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This condition is a more severe form of PMS that mimics depression, anxiety and mood disorders. It wasn't until the mid-nineties that this condition was classified a menstrual disorder, in fact. Sufferers feel overly emotional, often crying or exploding with rage for trivial reasons. They feel out-of-control in their own bodies and later feel remorseful for being so unfair to those around them. They feel like people aren't giving them enough love, attention or acceptance. What delineates PMDD from clinical depression is its appearance 7 to 10 days before their menstrual cycle and its disappearance shortly after menstruation begins.
What is premenstrual syndrome but an imbalance of your body's hormones and chemicals? As you know, diet contributes significantly to how we think, act and feel. Doctors recommend limiting salt, as sodium contributes to water retention, bloating and weight gain. To keep your blood sugar levels (and moods) stable, you should eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and limit your sugar intake. By eating lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, you will keep your cravings under control. Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which are known to exacerbate mood swings, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Exercising and multivitamin supplements are also good ways to keep you from feeling too irritable. If your symptoms are very severe and more akin to PMDD, then you may need to look at taking birth control pills, Zoloft, Paxil or Prozac.
