What about PMS? What is it?

PMS is a term that means Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.

It is a lot of unpleasant things that a woman may experience before her period. No one wants it, but your hormones are working and that means you may feel all the symptoms of it.

Some people have very mild symptoms, whiles other have so severe symptoms that it can potentially interfere with your normal life activities. Severe PMS is also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD

What are some of the symptoms of PMS?

Emotional Symptoms include:
1. Depression, anxiety, confusion and social withdrawal
2. Irritability, angry outburst or crying spells
3. Increased nap taking and poor concentration

Physical Symptoms include:
1. Food craving
2. Breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain
3. Headache, body aches and pains, swelling (hands/feet)
4. Abdominal pains and skin problems

Can PMS be treated?
Mild PMS can usually be taken care of by some simple lifestyle changes such as diet changes and exercises. Getting enough rest and stressing less can also improve how a person feels. Regular exercise (not only when you have your PMS) helps your body, heart and lungs to function well and will greatly improve your overall well-being. If you have severe PMS, you may need to speak to your doctor, who can advice you on what medications you can take.



Can PMS be diagnosed?
PMS can be diagnosed by a health practitioner. They would look at your symptoms and run it by your period dates or the dates that you expect your period. They would also check if this is a regular symptomatic behavior. It is important that you keep a record of your symptoms over 2 to 3 months, especially if you have just completed puberty. Using a chart, write down how you feel (physically and emotionally) each day of the month and you may be able to tell the pattern of symptoms that you may have. This can also be very helpful for your doctor or health worker.