Premenstrual Syndrome (Pms)

Feeling energetic, happy, upbeat and even-tempered is what goes on for three weeks out of every month, and then, suddenly, it happens. A week, right before your menstruation begins, the changes occur. Your mood swings change from one day being even-tempered to frustration, irritability to down right anger, and many times even depression. Your breasts become tender to the touch, and your ankles, feet, hands and stomach swell so much that your clothes become too fit, snug, and tight that it’s uncomfortable to move. Somehow, despite the cramps and the headaches, we manage to make our way to the refrigerator to satisfy our cravings. Sounds awful? Definitely, but unfortunately it’s a medical condition we women have to deal with on a monthly basis. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is considered a medical condition because it brings discomfort in your body. It mainly affects women of childbearing age. As per the Cleveland clinic website, “more than one in three women suffer from PMS and 20 suffer so severely that their lives are seriously affected.” PMS is a symptom that occurs regularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, with the onset of symptoms 5 to 11 days before the onset of menses and resolution of symptoms which menses or shortly thereafter. A source describes PMS as a disorder characterized by a series of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number of women for up to two weeks prior to menstruation. There are many symptoms associated with this condition. The most common physical symptoms include headaches, backaches, swelling of ankles, feet and hands, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, gaseous muscle spasms, soreness of breast, weight gain, recurrent cold sores, acne flare ups, nausea, bloating, bowel changes as in constipation or diarrhea, food cravings, and last but not least, painful menstruation. Some other physical symptoms can include anxiety, confusion, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, depression, irritability,