Severe PMS Physical Symptoms
According to Women's Health Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 75 percent of menstruating women have some signs of PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, during their monthly cycle. Many women have symptoms, such as anxiety, cravings, achiness, pain, depression, water retention and weigh gain, as well as other issues.
For those with severe PMS, which is also called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMMD), a monthly cycle can make it difficult to complete daily activities and affects around 5 percent of women.
A physician will normally consider mood disorders, thyroid problems, and other similar diseases before making a diagnosis of severe PMS. A doctor will probably ask you to write down when the first symptoms occur and track them over the course of your cycle in order to provide a correct diagnosis.
Other People Are Reading
-
Fatigue
-
One of the physical symptoms of severe PMS is fatigue, which is a result of the changes in hormones and neurotransmitters in the menstrual cycle. The chemical changes in the body relate directly to physical and emotional fatigue and the feeling that you need to rest. When this occurs, it is important to listen to the body, because it may be a natural way of responding to the shift in hormones.
Some moderate exercise, drinking plenty of water, and having a diet with fruits, veggies, whole wheat and whole grains can help to boost energy levels and help you concentrate. Caffeinated items can make the other physical symptoms worse if you have severe PMS.
Food Cravings
-
The shift in hormone levels when you're suffering from severe PMS can cause a drop in serotonin in the brain, which can cause shifts in appetites and cravings. In a natural response to the decline in serotonin, women often want sweet foods and high carbohydrates, which will cause a quick rise and drop in blood sugar levels. When this drop occurs, it is common to want another quick fix of these foods.
If you have severe PMS and food cravings, try eating smaller, more frequent meals in order to balance your blood sugar level throughout the day and eat foods that have carbohydrates, but are also nutrient rich, such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Avoid foods that are high in sodium to avoid bloating or water retention.
-
Insomnia
-
Severe PMS can also cause insomnia and waking frequently as the hormonal changes and shift in serotonin affect sleep cycles and prevent a deep sleep. Women with severe PMS can also become agitated and irritable, which increases the stress levels and may make it more difficult to relax enough to sleep.
It is important to get a full night's sleep to reduce severe PMS symptoms. It may be beneficial to engage in relaxation techniques prior to going to sleep. Limiting caffeine consumption can also improve sleep patterns during your monthly cycle.
Menstrual Migraines
-
Women who have migraines on a regular basis often get them more frequently during severe PMS . Doctors have started to realize the correlation between menstruation and migraines, while understanding that it is possible for them to influence one another so the pain is magnified.
Asthma and PMS
-
Women with severe PMS may be more likely to suffer from an asthma attack. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels may cause the airways to constrict and cause women with severe PMS to develop asthma or begin having asthma attacks.
Avoid aspirin and non-steroid medications as they may make asthma symptoms more prominent.
-
