Severe PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition wherein a woman each month after ovulation till her next period experiences some physical and emotional changes in her body. The severity, onset and duration of these symptoms vary from one woman to another according to their health condition and lifestyle. However, the onset of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms usually occur 3 to 4 days before menstruation, which subside with the menstrual flow. Research shows that nearly one third of the women all over the world experience mild to moderately severe PMS symptoms every month which subside on their own. But some women especially of reproductive ages experience chronic symptoms which may raise some severe health concerns and seek medical care.

Causes of PMS

One of the prime causes is the hormonal changes that a woman undergoes every month. Normally a menstrual cycle lasts for 28 to 30 days, which is categorized in to three stages called the follicular (menstrual bleeding), ovulatory (egg release) and luteal (egg disintegration) stages. During these stages, especially after ovulation when the released egg is not fertilized, the body undergoes a lot of fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone levels in order to prepare itself for the next menstrual flow. These changes subsequently affect other hormones in the body and lead to various symptoms in women.

Besides these cyclic changes in the hormones, there are some chemical changes in the brain like fluctuations or imbalance in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that controls the mood states, which also contribute to common PMS symptoms like depression, fatigue, mood swings, etc. Stress, smoking, drinking and poor eating habits, i.e., diet deficient in vitamins and minerals or high in sodium and salt can aggravate some severe symptoms in women.

Signs and Symptoms of PMS

Most women are well aware of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which causes mild to moderately severe symptoms that usually require no treatment and disappear within a few days of menstrual bleeding. But there is a severe form of PMS that leads to serious PMS symptoms, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is usually associated with the luteal phase of menstrual cycle and can be debilitating due to some severe emotional, mental and physical changes. Treatment is recommended as the disorder interferes with the sufferer's ability to do perform her daily activities. Below given are the chronic signs and symptoms of PMS that can very bothersome, followed by mild symptoms list.

Severe PMS Symptoms

• PMS breast tenderness and swelling
• Abdominal bloating
• Mood swings and irritability
• Muscle pain and cramps
• Menstrual headaches and migraines
• Major depression
• Feeling hopelessness, severe sadness
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Poor concentration

Mild PMS

• Nausea and dizziness
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• 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
• Menstrual cramping
• Hot flashes
• 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)
• Tension or anxiety
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Social withdrawal
• No interest in relationships or daily activities
• Decreased alertness, inability to concentrate

However mild symptoms can be relieved by taking proper rest and sleep, exercising regularly, doing meditation, consuming a diet high in calcium, protein but low in salt with some vitamin supplements and leading a stress free life. But for severe symptoms that do not subside in a day or so and can cause serious discomfort or uneasiness, do consult a health care provider to diagnose the underlying cause for these symptoms and prescribe medications, if necessary.