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Women's Health: Premenstrual Syndrome
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Premenstrual syndrome (pree-MEN-strul SIN-drome)--also
known as PMS--is a common group of symptoms that can happen
about one or two weeks before a woman starts her period. These
symptoms can affect the body and the way a woman acts and
feels. They go away after the period begins. There is no cure
for PMS, but medicines may help reduce some of the
symptoms.
Causes
The cause of PMS is unknown. It
is thought to be related to changes in chemicals in the body
called hormones. About half of all women have PMS at some time.
It becomes more common with age. We do not know why some women
have more severe cases than others. Stress seems to encourage
the problem.
Signs/Symptoms
Many different changes can occur.
Most women have only a few.
-
Changes in how you act or feel: Feeling mad, tense,
nervous, or sad; feeling hungry; changes in mood; crying
spells; wanting to be left alone; craving foods like
chocolate, sugar or salt. Some women have trouble with
thinking or concentration. You may feel very tired or have
trouble sleeping.
-
Changes in your body: Weight gain and swollen
breasts, belly, ankles, hands, and face are common. Acne
(pimples) and headaches can also occur. Some women feel
dizzy or may faint. You may have changes in your bowels
such as constipation or diarrhea. You may not urinate as
often as usual.
Care
There is no cure. Medicines that
help the body get rid of water can sometimes reduce the
swelling. Taking hormones (birth control pills) and other
medicines works for some women. Getting counseling or joining a
support group can help you understand the problem and help you
and your family to deal with it. You may need to make changes
in your life like eating differently, exercising more, and
reducing your stress level.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Write down the date your periods start and end and
what your symptoms are each day. Do this for at least two
or three menstrual periods. Knowing when you are likely to
have PMS symptoms will help you plan your activities to
keep the premenstrual time as free from stress as possible.
Stress often makes the symptoms
worse.
-
Avoiding foods that have a lot of salt will help
prevent your body from feeling so swollen. Read the
""Nutrition Facts'' label on every food or drink package to
find out how much salt (sodium) is in it. Don't have more
than 3000 mg of sodium a day.
-
Try to avoid foods and beverages that have caffeine
in them, including coffee, colas, tea, and chocolate. Too
much caffeine can make you feel more nervous or
moody.
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Eat well-balanced meals. Don't smoke or drink alcohol
for 1 week before your period, and get plenty of
sleep.
-
Exercising every day can help relieve PMS symptoms.
It can make you feel better and reduce stress. Yoga,
relaxation exercises, and biofeedback may also help cut
stress. A counselor may be able to help you learn to lessen
stress and handle possible conflicts in your life. Ask your
doctor for sources of help or look in the telephone book
under Mental Health Services.
-
Learn as much as you can about PMS. Books on the
subject can be found in bookstores and libraries. There are
support groups for women with PMS. You also can get
information from a national PMS association at the
following address: PMS Access, PO Box 9326, Madison, WI
53715; or call toll-free
1-800-222-4767.
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