Premenstrual syndrome: causes, symptoms and remedies

3 out of 4 women report symptoms such as anxiety, headache, acne, fatigue or sadness, among others, when menstruation approaches; these cases are known as premenstrual syndrome.

In this article we will discuss the causes and symptoms of PMS, including its most severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder. We will also detail the treatments and home remedies through which these alterations can be combatted.

• Related article: "Types of hormones and their functions in the human body"

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PMS is defined as a diverse set of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that appear after ovulation, between one and two weeks before menstruation. They usually stop after your period starts.

It is estimated that approximately 80% of women have suffered from symptoms of PMS at some point in their life. It is more common to occur after the age of 30, in women who have had children or with a history of depression, both personal and family. Symptoms tend to get worse as menopause approaches.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome that affects around 3-8% of women of childbearing age. Unlike PMS, PMDD is considered pathological in that it interferes with the normal functioning of those who suffer from it.

In 2013, premenstrual dysphoric disorder was included in the DSM-5. This conception of disorder has been criticized by many people who believe that it can have negative consequences for women at a socioeconomic level and that it was invented by pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs. On the contrary, there are those who think that the existence of this diagnosis will increase awareness about the biological bases of this type of symptoms.

Symptoms and signs

Among the most frequent physical signs and symptoms we find the appearance of acne breakouts, fatigue, bloating and abdominal cramps, colic, constipation, diarrhea, pain in head, back, muscles and joints, breast swelling and tenderness, food cravings and weight gain from retention of liquids.

Psychological symptoms of PMS include concentration difficulties, decreased mood, anxiety, tension, insomnia, irritability, aggressiveness, mood swings, crying, social withdrawal and variations in sexual desire.

Most women who experience symptoms of PMS report that they only suffer from some of the disorders that we have mentioned. In general, the pattern of appearance of symptoms is predictable.

In cases of premenstrual dysphoric disorder psychological and emotional symptoms are often especially severe; For example, feelings of sadness can become hopeless, and irritability and anger can facilitate conflict with other people.

Causes of PMS

The changes inherent to premenstrual syndrome are related to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, also called 'post-ovulation'. During this time the unfertilized ovum disintegrates to be later expelled in bleeding.

In the luteal phase, the eggs secrete progesterone, a hormone involved in pregnancy, the sexual drive, regeneration of dermal tissue, blood clotting, breast growth, and breast cancer Mommy.

It is believed that dysregulation in the production of progesterone and other hormones, which affects different women in a variable way, influences the development of premenstrual syndrome. On the other hand, fluctuations in the neurotransmitter serotonin could partly explain symptoms such as fatigue, emotional lability, insomnia and cravings.

Emotional symptoms would be intensified by the presence of stress or depression, while alterations in the levels of sodium, minerals or vitamins would increase some of the physical signs, such as fluid retention and abdominal bloating resulting from is.

Likewise, there are hypotheses that affirm that sociocultural factors could also contribute to the appearance of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Treatment and remedies

Are used various medical and psychological treatments, as well as home remedies, to reduce the symptoms of PMS. There is no proper treatment for this syndrome, since the effects of hormonal changes are temporary.

Below you can see the most common and effective treatments to alleviate the symptoms of PMS.

1. Changes in diet

Limiting salt intake and heavy meals can reduce fluid retention, bloating, and the feeling of a full stomach. On the contrary, it is recommended to eat foods rich in calcium and complex carbohydrates. Avoid coffee and alcohol it can also relieve some symptoms.

2. Physical exercise

Do moderate aerobic exerciseLike swimming, biking, or brisk walking, it is helpful in treating fatigue, depressed mood, and weight gain. It is recommended to do sports for half an hour a day at least 5 days a week.

• Related article: "The 10 psychological benefits of practicing physical exercise"

3. Stress reduction

To relieve stress and related symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability and headache, it is effective getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and doing relaxation exercises. Progressive muscle relaxation, slow deep breathing, yoga, and massage are some research-backed options.

• You may be interested: "6 easy relaxation techniques to combat stress"

4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be effective in relieving cramps, colic, and headache, back, and sinus pain. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac fall into this category of pain relievers.

5. Diuretics

Diuretics such as spironolactone may be recommended to reduce bloating and weight gain caused by fluid retention in cases where exercise and limitation of salt intake are insufficient.

6. Antidepressants

Research has found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, sertraline or paroxetine, are effective in treating the emotional symptoms of PMS, although can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting.

Although the effect of antidepressants is more powerful if taken daily, for moderate cases of syndrome premenstrual is usually enough to do it during the days before menstruation, when the symptom. Yes indeed, it is essential to have a medical indication to use these products.

7. Hormonal contraceptives

Birth control pills are prescribed for PMS and PMDD where the physical symptoms are severe. However, the consumption of these drugs can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. In the same way, it is necessary to have the corresponding medical indication.

8. Nutritional supplements

Supplements of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 They can help reduce PMS symptoms, especially breast tenderness, cramps, and fluid retention.

9. Herbal remedies

Among the most widely used herbal remedies to treat premenstrual syndrome are ginger, ginkgo, soybeans, St. John's wort, chasteberry and evening primrose oil.

It should be borne in mind that scientific studies have not endorsed this type of therapy due to time, so its efficacy, side effects, and interactions with other drugs are not clear.

Bibliographic references:

• Dickerson, Lori M.; Mazyck, Pamela J.; Hunter, Melissa H. (2003). "Premenstrual Syndrome". American Family Physician.
• Ford, O; Lethaby, A; Roberts, H; Mol, BW (2012). "Progesterone for premenstrual syndrome". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
• Markens, Susan (1996). "The Problematic of 'Experience': A Political and Cultural Critique of PMS". Gender & Society.