Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 3 out of 4 women and can cause a number of physical and emotional symptoms. One of the most common signs is acute pain, which can be experienced in various forms. In this article, we will discuss the different types of pain that can accompany PMS and how to manage them.
Symptoms of PMS
PMS involves a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral signs and symptoms that can occur in days or weeks leading up to a woman’s menstrual period. It can manifest differently per person, but the most common symptoms are:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depressed mood
- Changes in appetite, including food cravings
- Bloating
- Problems with sleep
- Acne breakouts
Apart from these symptoms, another common indication of PMS is pain. Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, is often experienced during one’s period, but other types of pain can affect women even before the onset of menstruation.
PMS also entails premenstrual cramps, hormone headaches or menstrual migraines, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain. Experts believe that one of the reasons behind this heightened experience of pain during menstruation is the change in hormone levels, particularly for progesterone and estrogen.
If you suffer from PMS, it is important to be mindful of your symptoms. Severe cases may be diagnosed as debilitating disorders. When these symptoms severely interfere with your daily activities, it is recommended to see a doctor, as you may already be suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How to manage symptoms of PMS
Lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your experience with PMS. A proper diet and regular exercise are among the healthy habits you can adopt. Exercise, in particular, can help alleviate cramping and bloating. Adequate sleep of about seven to nine hours can also help address fatigue and enhance your general disposition.
Pain medication containing ibuprofen, paracetamol, or mefenamic acid may also help relieve the various types of pain that accompany PMS. You may also seek your doctor’s advice on whether supplements that contain vitamins B6, B9 and/or minerals like iron, calcium, or magnesium can help you with cramps and mood-related symptoms.
Ultimately, consulting your doctor may prove beneficial as they can help you understand the root causes of your PMS symptoms and consequently recommend treatment that can help you manage PMS symptoms for an improved quality of life.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279045/table/premenstrual-syndrom.table1diag/
- https://www.webmd.com/women/menstrual-cramps
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/joint-pain-and-women.aspx#:~:text=The%20Estrogen%2DJoint%20Pain%20Connection&text=Many%20women%20with%20OA%2C%20RA,a%20woman's%20period%20is%20over.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/headache-before-period
- https://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome#treatment
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101448.htm
