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If you’ve ever wondered what PMS feels like, you’re not alone. Many women struggle with the symptoms of PMS, which can impact their lives in many ways. These symptoms are so intense that they can make it difficult to function normally, cause significant disruption in everyday life, and can even cause conflict in interpersonal relationships. Fortunately, there are a variety of natural remedies that can help you deal with PMS and keep your life on track.
Symptoms
PMS is a condition in which a woman’s hormones are imbalanced and her symptoms interfere with her life. This emotional condition starts about five days before her menstrual period and lasts for up to four days. It can become more severe during perimenopause. While PMS symptoms usually diminish or disappear shortly before the menstrual period, they can become so severe that it interferes with a woman’s daily activities.
Most women experience some degree of physical and emotional discomfort before their period, and these symptoms generally subside within four days of menstruation. However, if a woman suffers from severe symptoms, she may be experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This condition can make daily activities difficult and may lead to depression.
Although there is no proven cause for PMS, some lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms. For example, it is recommended to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine may also help. If symptoms persist for more than three months, it is best to consult your doctor. Some women experience fewer symptoms during their first month than others, so a doctor may be able to help you avoid them altogether.
You can use a diary to keep track of your symptoms. Try to exercise at least three times a week. Even if you can’t exercise every day, try to reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol for two weeks before your period. Exercising helps release endorphins, which can help relieve pain and ease your symptoms. In addition to exercising, you can also reduce your intake of salt and alcohol. Some herbal teas can help reduce water retention and relieve cramps.
Medications can also help alleviate symptoms of PMS. Certain antidepressants can reduce depression and irritability. They are not a cure for the disorder, but they can help you cope with symptoms and manage your life.
Causes
While the exact cause of PMS is unknown, researchers do believe that hormonal fluctuations are involved. Progesterone, which is released in the second half of the menstrual cycle before the start of the period, is one of the hormones that can cause PMS symptoms. This hormone affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. Genetics and environmental factors can also play a role.
If you suspect you have PMS, talk to your doctor and make a detailed diary of your symptoms. This will help your healthcare provider determine which treatments are effective. You may also want to try meditation, yoga or mindfulness to reduce stress. There are also antidepressant medications that may help alleviate your PMS symptoms.
The physical and emotional symptoms that accompany PMS usually subside once your period begins. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms than others. These symptoms may be an indication of a more serious health problem. Emotional problems and stress may also increase the severity of the symptoms. Some women experience back pain, headaches, bloating stomach, constipation, or diarrhea.
Most women experience some degree of premenstrual symptoms during their monthly cycle. While most of these symptoms are not disabling, they can disrupt daily activities. About three to eight percent of women experience extreme symptoms. They have a more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Although the exact causes of PMS are unknown, lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms. A balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep are all helpful. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce the severity of symptoms. PMS may also link to certain cultural and social factors. It is common for symptoms to reappear during each menstrual cycle, so it is important to be careful and seek medical advice for any possible underlying problems.
Treatment
PMS is a common disorder characterized by a range of symptoms. It can interfere with a woman’s daily life and relationships. It affects up to 40 percent of women in their reproductive years. Often, it can lead to depression. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to medications. While the latter may be more effective in some cases, most women find that OTC supplements work better.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, can help women cope with their symptoms. This method involves helping women identify and alter unhelpful thought patterns. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy for PMS is to minimize the effects of the condition on a woman’s everyday life. While cognitive behavioral therapy may not be as effective as other approaches, it can be a helpful tool for women who are experiencing PMS. However, it is important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Psychological symptoms of PMS can include tension and fatigue, feelings of anger, depression, and low self-confidence. Some women may also experience changes in their sleep pattern or increase in weight. Other physical symptoms may include breast pain and bloating. Headaches may also occur. For some women, treatment of PMS may involve the use of pharmaceutical products.
Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that occurs two or more days before a woman’s menstrual period. The symptoms are both physical and emotional, and usually improve after the period begins. While the symptoms are typically minor and harmless, they can be detrimental to a woman’s quality of life. The symptoms can interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities. Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat PMS and improve your overall health.
If a woman’s symptoms are severe, she can take SSRIs. These antidepressants can be taken on a continuous or intermittent basis. If these are not working, she can switch to another SSRI if necessary.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies for PMS are a natural way to treat your symptoms naturally. They offer tailored relief for the particular symptoms of PMS that you experience each month. If you suffer from this condition, you know that some symptoms can be more bothersome than others, and they can greatly interfere with your daily life.
Many people turn to pharmaceutical drugs to treat their symptoms. These medications often contain pain relievers and hormonal birth control that can decrease symptoms. But herbs can also help balance hormone levels. Herbalists seek to address the underlying cause of PMS rather than just balancing them with synthetic hormones.
One herbal remedy for PMS that helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and cramps is chaste berry. This peppercorn-sized fruit has been used in traditional medicine since ancient Greece. It can relieve back pain, breast tenderness, irritability, and cramps. Its extract contains flavonoids and iridoids, which induce hormonal balance and inhibit the production of prolactin.
In addition to herbal remedies for PMS, a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and moderate exercise, including a daily 30-minute walk, may also help alleviate PMS symptoms. However, these herbal supplements should be tried with caution, as they may not work for every woman. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking other medications.
Evening primrose oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for PMS. Its high content of omega-6 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid helps in metabolizing prostaglandins, which regulate inflammation. Other herbal remedies for PMS include wild yam, a plant that has been used for centuries to treat PMS symptoms. Wild yam contains phytohormones that bind to estrogen receptors. These remedies should be taken daily for about a month for best results.
Antidepressants
Many conventional practitioners use antidepressants as a first line of treatment for patients suffering from PMS or PMDD. However, this treatment may not be right for every woman. The Women’s Health Network recommends trying natural therapies before turning to antidepressants or birth control pills. These drugs can have harmful side effects. So how do you know if they’ll work for you? Read on to learn more about these treatments and which ones work best for your body.
SSRI antidepressants can reduce symptoms of PMS by inhibiting certain brain enzymes. However, there are some possible side effects of SSRIs, including diarrhoea, irritability, and anorexia. They can also lead to sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, there are newer antidepressants that may be more effective for PMS.
Another option is taking a different type of antidepressant. If your symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe an SSRI. SSRI medications include Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac. This class of antidepressants is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) and works by preventing the serotonin receptors from being broken down. This helps keep the serotonin that your brain needs to function properly.
Many studies conducted on the use of antidepressants for PMS found that the use of an SSRI reduced the number of women who experienced symptoms. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of women with PMDD will see improvements with the use of an SSRI. However, there is still some concern over the risk of suicidality and depression with these antidepressants. The authors recommend lower doses of these drugs to reduce the risk of side effects.
However, women can also choose a more natural approach. Alternative methods such as a diet that is low in sugar and exercise can help relieve PMS symptoms. In addition to medications, women can try taking herbal supplements such as evening primrose oil and agnus castus.
