How to Identify PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, affects the majority of women in their childbearing years. Most women are relatively unaffected by the hormonal changes that occur just before their period but many are affected to a degree that interferes with their normal activities. The problem of PMS, long thought to be psychological, is real. Knowing what to look for will prepare you--and your daughters--to deal with the problems effectively.
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Instructions
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Pay attention to physical changes in the week before your period. Bloating has long been associated with the period as the body accumulates water that will be needed for the cleansing action of menstruation. Bloating and tender breasts can be addressed by limiting salt and regular exercise. Acne may suddenly appear or worsen. Headaches, dizziness and fainting are also frequently reported as signs of approaching menses. Lack of oxygen supply to the brain and stress caused by lifestyle demands. Smoking and caffeine may contribute to these symptoms.
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Examine what kind of pain you experience during the week before your period. Abdominal cramps are the usual complaint, caused by shifting muscles and processes that happen monthly rather than daily. Migraine headaches and constipation may plague you at this point. Joint and muscle pain might be more noticeable. Extreme pain, especially due to abdominal cramping, should always be reported to your health care provider. Severe uterine cramping may be a sign of dysmenorrhea, a serious problem which, if left untreated, can interfere with your everyday activities and which needs special treatment.
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Look at emotional highs and lows. If you suffer more depression and greater mood swings in the week before your period, the solution may be as simple as cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Regular exercise also helps even out the flow of emotions. If you've tried these strategies and still find yourself feeling unexplained extreme euphoria and hopeless depression, talk to your health care provider immediately. If you can't find a reason for these excessive highs and lows, you need help managing them.
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Take stock of what you eat. Do you have certain cravings during the week before your period for sweets or foods in which you would normally have little interest? The caffeine in that chocolate that you crave may contribute directly to the headaches you're experiencing. Cravings for bananas, broccoli (does anyone actually crave broccoli?), liver or tuna may tell you that your body isn't getting enough vitamin B6. If your eating patterns change radically during that week or so before your period, there may be something missing in your diet--or you may be experiencing the dietary cravings associated with PMS. Constipation or diarrhea may be linked to PMS or may result from dietary changes.
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Put things in perspective. Before demanding hormonal supplements, antidepressants or prescription anti-inflammatory analgesics from your doctor, examine your symptoms carefully. If you can live with a little discomfort each month, be aware that the severity of PMS symptoms tends to decrease with age and dissipate with childbearing. But, if your PMS symptoms interfere with your life and your relationships, seek help from a health care professional who understands that you need real relief, not sympathy.
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Tips & Warnings
A gynecological examination is the time to discuss concerns with a specialist in women's health. Every daughter should have one with the beginning of menstruation and learn to discuss women's concerns with her doctor or nurse practitioner.
Many women are embarrassed to admit that PMS is getting to them. The consequences of ignoring the more serious symptoms such as excessive mood swings and debilitating abdominal cramps are too dangerous to ignore. Get help immediately.
