PMS Symptoms List

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional changes that occur in a woman's body after ovulation and subsides with menstruation. In simple words, these are physical, behavioral and psychological changes that a woman experiences 4 to 5 days before her period begins and ends with the onset of menstrual flow.

Research shows that about 80% of women across the world, experience some premenstrual symptoms, though the severity, onset and duration of these symptoms may vary from one women to another as per their health conditions and lifestyle. Hence, some women develop mild PMS symptoms that subside a day or so after menstruation while others may have severe and prolonged symptoms that may seek some medical care and attention. There are various reasons responsible for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), hence in the following sections we will learn the factors that contribute to PMS and some treatment options.

PMS Symptoms Causes

The major cause for PMS symptoms is the hormonal changes that a woman undergoes during her entire menstrual cycle. On an average a menstrual cycle usually lasts for 28 to 30 days, and involves three stages called the follicular (menstrual bleeding), ovulatory (egg release) and luteal (egg disintegration) stages. During all these stages, especially after ovulation the body undergoes a lot of fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone levels which subsequently affect other hormones in the body and lead to various PMS symptoms.

Apart from these cyclic changes in the hormones, there are some chemical changes in the brain like fluctuations of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls the mood states, which can also trigger common PMS symptoms like depression, fatigue, mood swings, etc. Stress and poor eating habits, i.e. diet deficient in vitamins and minerals or high in sodium and salt can aggravate some severe PMS symptoms like gas, bloating, anemia, weakness, etc.

List of PMS Symptoms

Though the PMS symptoms vary from one woman to another, here is a list of common PMS symptoms names that most women experience at some point or the other during their menstrual cycle.

Physical PMS Symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Menstrual migraines or headaches
• Nausea, fatigue and dizziness
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain and pelvic cramps
• Aggravation of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers
• Changes in bowel habits
• Difficulty with coordination or decreased balance
• Changes in libido or decreased sexual desire
• PMS breast tenderness and swelling
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Edema (visible swelling, particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
• Asthma and breathing difficulty
• Sinus problems or sore throat
• Heart pounding (palpitation)

Emotional and Behavioral PMS Symptoms

• Tension or anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Feeling hopelessness, severe sadness
• Crying spells or tearfulness
• Mood swings and irritability or anger
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
• Social withdrawal
• No interest in relationships or daily activities
• Decreased alertness, inability to concentrate

PMS Symptoms Treatment

Though for mild PMS symptoms one may not need any medication, however, if the symptoms are severe and causing too much pain or discomfort the doctor may prescribe some drugs, like antidepressants to reduce symptoms such as PMS and mood swings, fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems. Likewise non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease menstrual cramping and breast swelling or discomfort, and in case of chronic PMS and bloating or swelling in different parts of the body, some diuretics can help shed extra water from the kidneys.

For mild PMS symptoms, some dietary changes like avoiding salty foods, caffeine and alcohol, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, having small but frequent meals, increasing calcium intakes, and taking multivitamin supplements can help in curbing the PMS symptoms. Also incorporating exercise in your daily routine like walking, cycling, swimming, etc., getting plenty of sleep, and practicing some progressive muscle relaxation or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress can all help to control PMS symptoms.

Hence by making some healthy changes in your lifestyle, you can surely combat these PMS symptoms and lead a regular life. However, in case of severe PMS symptoms before taking any medications do consult your doctor to avoid unexpected complications.