We differentiate between Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) with the aggravation into premenstrual dysphoric disorders and Post Menstrual Syndrome. The postmentrual syndrome consists majorly in continuous spottings after some 5 days of menstrual bleedings and headaches.
How soon do you get premenstrual symptoms?
Both regular PMS and its aggravation into Premenstrual dysphoric disorders have physical and emotional symptoms with extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships.
Symptoms usually begin 7 to 10 days prior to periods and continue for the first few days of the period. Both PMS also cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in sleep and eating habits. Unfortunately, at least one of these emotional and behavioral symptoms stands out:
Sadness or hopelessness, anxiety or tension, moodiness, anger etc. and – severe abdominal pain.
Why do some women get ‘bad’ PMS and others don’t?
This is still quite unclear.
Hormonal changes that trigger a menstrual period like sudden decrease of progesterone and a fall in Estradiol worsen the symptoms of mood disorders.
Of course, “endometriosis” may also be the reason, as dysmenorrhea, painful periods, characterize the premenstrual period more than menstruation itself. Anatomical causes are seldom found however have to be excluded.
How do you take a control on your PMS?
Treatment of PMS is directed at preventing or minimizing symptoms and may include:
- Antidepressant. May reduce symptoms such as emotional symptoms, fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.
- Birth control pills. Taking birth control pills with no pill-free interval or with a shortened pill-free interval may reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms for some women.
- Nutritional supplements. Consuming of dietary and supplemental calcium daily may possibly reduce symptoms of PMS and PMDD in some women. Vitamin B-6, magnesium and L-tryptophan also may help, Herbal Remedies. Some research suggests that they may possibly reduce irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, swelling, cramps and food cravings associated with PMDD, but more research is needed..
- Diet and lifestyle changes. Regular exercise often reduces premenstrual symptoms. Cutting back caffeine, avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking may ease symptoms, too. Getting enough sleep and using relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga, also may help. Avoid stressful and emotional triggers, such as arguments over financial issues or relationship problems, whenever possible.
- A thorough gynecological examination and measurement of hormones rounds up the picture and enables us doctors to help. No patient can solve these problems alone, let doctors and patients be a family.
At German Medical Center, the best obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Dubai, renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, Prof. Liselotte Mettler, offers the most effective and personalized treatment to women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Dubai.
Prof. Liselotte Mettler
Obstetrics & Gynecology Professor – Germany
Honorary chair of the Kiel School of Gynecological Endoscopy and Reproductive Medicine
General Secretary of the International Academy of Human Reproduction
Board member of the World Endometriosis Society
German Medical Center – Avivo Enterprise
