The full form of PMS is premenstrual syndrome. PMS is a combination of psychological, emotional, physiological, mood disturbance before 10-12 days of menstrual cycle, after ovulation. Around 80-90% women suffer from PMS.
The mood related symptoms are depression, crying, oversensitivity, mood swings and irritability. The common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, acne, changes in appetite, food cravings, and breast tenderness.
Symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome):
Duration of the symptoms in PMS varies among the women. It starts few days in the week before the onset of menstruation and goes away once the period get started. Following is the list of symptoms which affects women both on mental and physical level.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tension
- Crying
- Extreme mood swings
- Oversensitivity
- Anger and irritability
- Bloating (due to water retention)
- Breast tenderness
- Appetite changes with food craving
- Sleep disturbances sleeping too much or less
- Weight gain
Causes of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome):
Exact causes for PMS are unknown. But it is believe that it is related to change in both sex hormone and serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical, which is secreted by brain and gut. Serotonin levels affects the mood. Serotonin levels are responsible for changes in a mood, emotions and thoughts.
Estrogens and progesterone hormones also have effects on PMS. These hormone levels increases in certain time of the months. An increase in the hormone levels causes mood swings, anxiety and irritability. Ovarian steroids also regulate activity in parts of your brain associated with premenstrual symptoms.
