What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS?)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that most anyone who gets a period experiences a week or two before their period starts. These symptoms can include changes in mood, behavior, and physical health.

Around 90% of women report experiencing symptoms of PMS including headache, bloating, or changes in mood. For most women, symptoms of PMS are mild, with less than 5% of women experiencing more severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms. It is also reported that women in their 30s are more likely to experience PMS syndrome.¹

Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS symptoms often occur before the period. However, there are times when PMS symptoms occur during the period as well. Many PMS symptoms include a combination of physical and emotional symptoms.

Physical Indications of PMS Syndrome

The physical symptoms of PMS syndrome include:

Swollen or tender breasts
Fluid retention
Constipation or diarrhea
Bloating or a gassy feeling
Cramping
Joint or muscle pain
Headache or backache
Clumsiness
Lower tolerance for noise or light

Emotional Indications of PMS Syndrome

Some of the more common emotional symptoms include:

Irritability
Fatigue
Sleeping too much or too little
Appetite changes or food cravings
Trouble with concentration or memory
Tension or anxiety
Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells
Change in libido or decreased sex drive
PMS mood swings such as rapid shifts in mood or emotional outbursts

What Causes Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

There has been no evidence of a conclusive cause for premenstrual syndrome, or why some people experience severe premenstrual symptoms while others do not. However, some of the theories for what causes PMS will be detailed below. ²

Cyclical Changes in Hormones

One of the theories of how premenstrual syndrome is caused is the belief that hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Experts believe that PMS occurs due to the changing levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Chemical Changes in the Brain

Another theory of why PMS starts is that the neurotransmitters in the brain may also have an impact on PMS. The chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine help regulate emotions and behavior. It is believed that the drop in estrogen can trigger the release of norepinephrine, which can slow the release of serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. A decrease in these chemicals can cause low or depressed mood and sleep difficulties.

Existing Mental Health Conditions

Some premenstrual syndrome specialists believe that having an existing mental health condition or genetic history of a mental health condition can exacerbate PMS symptoms.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors may increase the risk of experiencing premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as smoking, minimal physical activity, lack of sleep, poor diet, increased stress, and excessive alcohol consumption.

How is Premenstrual Syndrome Diagnosed?

There is no specific premenstrual syndrome test or criteria to diagnose PMS as a disorder. However, your healthcare provider may order certain tests to rule out other physical conditions that may be causing issues, such as a thyroid problem, or to rule out mental health conditions with the use of mental health screenings.

In order to determine a diagnosis of PMS, your medical provider may have you record your symptoms on a monthly calendar. It may be determined that you are experiencing PMS if you experience symptoms within five days before your period and for three consecutive periods. These symptoms also will generally end within four days after your period.

Potential for Self Diagnosis

Premenstrual syndrome is often self-diagnosed and does not usually require consultation with a medical provider. However, if you or a loved one experience severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms, it may be important to consult with your medical provider in order to get relief. ³

How Does PMS Affect Other Health Problems?

Experiencing PMS symptoms may affect health problems such as asthma, allergies, or migraines. Some of the other health conditions that may be affected by PMS include:

Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Since it is believed that the chemical and hormonal changes that occur before and during menstruation can affect the mood, there is a link between PMS and anxiety and depression. If an individual already experiences depression and anxiety, PMS may worsen these symptoms before or during the period.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Symptoms of ME/CFS include extreme fatigue, weakness, muscle and joint pain, and poor sleep. Due to symptoms of PMS often being similar, women who experience ME/CFS are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe and debilitating symptoms before or during their period. ⁴

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The symptoms of bloating, gas, and cramping that are usually accompanied with IBS may be worsened by PMS symptoms before or during one’s period.

Bladder Pain Syndrome

Those who experience bladder pain are more likely to experience more severe cramping from PMS during the period.

What Medicines Can Treat PMS?

Beyond Midol, no specific PMS medication exists. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, sometimes just making lifestyle changes can help to decrease or treat premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

There is no cure for premenstrual syndrome, however, sometimes medications are needed to help treat or provide premenstrual syndrome relief. These may include PMS medicines such as over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin to help relieve pain and cramping.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications, such as birth control, antidepressants, diuretics, or anti-anxiety medication can help to treat PMS. If you experience PMS depression, it may be helpful to consider a prescribed antidepressant to address those symptoms.

Similarly, for fluid retention or bloating, the use of a diuretic, also known as a water pill, can help reduce the excessive fluid. The use of birth control may address PMS symptoms by regulating periods and stopping ovulation, which is what causes the PMS symptoms in the first place.

What Can I Do to Relieve PMS Symptoms?

Sometimes you can use home remedies or make lifestyle changes to manage or relieve PMS symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome self-care or natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome may involve: ⁵

Engaging in Regular Physical Activity

Getting at least thirty minutes of exercise most days of the week can help alleviate PMS symptoms.

Healthy Diet

Choosing healthy foods most of the time can reduce feelings of bloating and weight gain. Also, using supplements for premenstrual syndrome can provide adequate nutrients, such as calcium, which can help decrease joint aches and pains. Some other vitamins for premenstrual syndrome are vitamin B, vitamin D, and magnesium.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep affects mental and physical health. Getting proper sleep can help to reduce mood swings and irritability.

Reducing Stress

Find healthy ways to cope with stress or reduce stress. Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help to reduce stress.

Not Smoking

Smoking increases stress and anxiety, therefore, avoiding the use of nicotine may reduce PMS symptoms of anxiety or irritability.

Get Treatment For Premenstrual Syndrome At Pacific Beach Health

Looking for treatment for mental or emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome? The experienced professionals at Pacific Beach Health offer collaborative counseling services that help address a variety of mental health and behavioral concerns. Contact Pacific Beach Health today in order to find out about relevant treatment opportunities.

References:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome
https://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome%20-%20causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376787
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/what-is-pms

What is Premenstrual

Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome is a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms experienced before and during menstrual cycles.