This article talks about such a common phenomenon in women's life like PMS. After our article, women will be able to better understand what is happening to them, and men will better understand women.
Very often we hear the abbreviation PMS, which many women refer to when they are in a bad mood and feeling unwell, but not everyone understands what lies behind these three letters. The decoding is very simple: PMS is short for “premenstrual syndrome”. And what is PMS in girls, what are its causes and the most common signs and how to deal with it, we will look at in this article. We strongly advise men to read this information so that they can begin to better understand their loved ones and relatives.
Is PMS a disease or a whim?
Premenstrual syndrome in women it is a set of various symptoms that is not some kind of disease. But in some cases, these symptoms may indicate health problems, including various diseases. Only a doctor can say more accurately about the reasons for poor health.
Some men believe that a woman’s nervous state on certain days is nonsense, an ordinary whim that needs to be fought or ignored. And such an easy attitude from men sometimes offends women who really cannot cope with their condition. After reading below about the symptoms of this very common syndrome, you will understand what poor women have to face every month.
Symptoms and forms
PMS symptoms affect almost half of women worldwide, and symptoms begin to appear (for some, all of them, and for others only part of them) a week or a few days before menstruation begins. This syndrome manifests itself in the following forms:
- Neuropsychiatric: this is the most common manifestation of PMS, many men have seen it. It manifests itself in rapid changes in mood, irritability, aggressiveness, tearfulness, and depression, which can suddenly give way to euphoria. Moreover, it is worth noting that at a young age, PMS often manifests itself in depression and a low emotional background, and at a more mature age, irritability, aggressiveness and euphoria come to the fore.
- Cephalgic: this form is associated with the presence of headaches, while blood pressure measurements are most often normal. Often there is night numbness of the hands, sweating, as well as stabbing pain in the heart area.
- Edema: as the name implies, in the female body this form of the syndrome manifests itself in the form of edema. First of all, the mammary glands and the area around the nipples swell and swell. From other parts of the body, swelling appears on the face, feet and hands. The causes of breast swelling are associated with hormonal changes that occur in the female body in the second phase of the monthly cycle. In addition to swelling, you can note increased sweating and pain in the sacrum and lower abdomen, which disappear a couple of days after the start of menstruation.
- Crisis: symptoms in this form include increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and pain of a pressing and squeezing nature is noted in the heart area. Many women with this form of PMS note a clear fear of death and severe trembling. All of these symptoms appear most clearly at night, and usually subside by morning. In the morning, increased urination may occur.
- Atypical: in this case, symptoms characteristic of any of the above-described forms of PMS may be observed, and an increase in body temperature of up to 38 degrees in the absence of infections and colds is also common.
Forms of PMS also differ in their duration:
In terms of severity, PMS can be mild, moderate or severe. With a mild form of the syndrome, a woman practically does not have to change her lifestyle and, most often, she can even do without taking medicines. With moderate severity, a woman must take painkillers and other medications to relieve symptoms. The most pronounced PMS symptoms manifest themselves in its severe form; in some cases, even taking medications does not help cope with painful symptoms.
Even if you have most of the symptoms listed above, only a gynecologist can diagnose PMS. It is necessary to find out whether the symptoms are related to the monthly cycle, and for this it is advisable to keep a self-control diary for some time (2-6 months), in which it is necessary to write down information about how you feel every day. 
Causes of PMS
The main cause of PMS in women is hormonal imbalance. Throughout the entire menstrual cycle, a woman’s body produces the hormones estrogens and progesterones, and at different periods of the cycle, some of these hormones predominate. Symptoms of PMS appear when problems occur in the production of hormones.
Among the factors that provoke PMS symptoms in women are the following:
- sedentary sedentary work and general lifestyle, intellectual work;
- physical fatigue;
- intellectual fatigue;
- violation of body weight (in any direction);
- the presence of stress in life, including chronic;
- living in a city with a poor environmental situation;
- abortions, miscarriages;
- problems related to pregnancy (too frequent pregnancies and childbirths or unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child);
- too frequent or, conversely, rare sexual intercourse;
- there have been gynecological operations in the past, the presence of diseases in the field of gynecology, infections;
- disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system, including diseases of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, etc.);
- a history of traumatic brain injury;
- use of oral contraceptives;
- abuse of sweets, spicy seasonings, chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, narcotic substances.
Treatment
For treatment to be most effective, it is necessary, with the help of a doctor, to find out the causes of PMS in a particular case. And work to eliminate these causes. At the same time, it is also necessary to carry out actions aimed at normalizing the general condition of the body:
- follow the correct daily routine and exercise;
- normalize weight;
- limit unhealthy diets;
- get rid of bad habits;
- have a full rest on weekends, preferably in nature;
- use medications to cure endocrine diseases and infections;
- stop taking hormonal contraceptives.
Usually, a comprehensive treatment prescribed by a gynecologist helps get rid of the PMS symptoms that constantly torment a woman and brings her life back to normal.
Premenstrual syndrome
Treatment of PMS consists, first of all, in the prevention and elimination of specific symptoms of this condition. Most women are familiar with this syndrome, which occurs about a week before the start of menstruation. This period acutely affects the mental and physical state and few can get rid of it. How to do it?
What it is
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and psychological (emotional) symptoms that occur in women after ovulation and. During this period, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. Some time must pass for their concentration in the blood to settle.
Every month, about 80% of women of reproductive age suffer from premenstrual syndrome. Almost every second woman after 40 years old faces this problem. In 13-26% of cases, psychological and physical symptoms are so severe that they interfere with normal daily activities.
The most severe form of PMS with a predominance of mental disorders is premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which occurs in girls in rare cases.
Most women consider this period an integral part of women's lives and are in no hurry to seek professional help.
Many doctors claim that premenstrual syndrome disappears after the first pregnancy. There is some truth in this, since after the birth of a child, hormones change, which has a significant impact on the course of PMS. Often during pregnancy, hormonal medications are prescribed, which subsequently alleviate the symptoms of PMS or eliminate them altogether.
Causes
Although scientists are still trying to explain the causes of various symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, the main culprits of this condition remain the “warring” hormones estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can cause mood swings and painful sensations.
The form and intensity of this condition directly depends on our lifestyle and our emotional state. Some problems associated with PMS are often inherited. There is a high probability that you will also have to go through this period, just as your mother or grandmother once did.
Symptoms of the syndrome may worsen as a result of illness or physical exhaustion.
PMS symptoms may also be caused by low level serotonin, which is responsible for sending signals between brain cells. An unbalanced diet, especially a lack of iron in the body, is also a risk factor. Blood clotting disorders are also a risk.
Since premenstrual syndrome affects the emotional and mental state, psychological disorders, depression, increased anxiety and other problems of this nature may arise against its background.
Hormones during the menstrual cycle
Signs of premenstrual syndrome
Experts say premenstrual syndrome can include up to 300 symptoms. This a large number of This is partly due to the fact that there is no precise diagnosis that would help to better distinguish PMS from both the normal condition and other diseases such as depression or anxiety disorders.
The most common:
- irritability and mood swings;
- anxiety, tearfulness, depression;
- headache;
- increased sensitivity and soreness of the mammary glands;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- bloating, decreased or increased appetite;
- change in libido;
- sleep disorders;
- fatigue;
- swelling of the joints.
All these symptoms may remain during menstruation and disappear after it stops.
PMS treatment
Since most often the main causes of premenstrual syndrome are hormonal imbalance and stress, it is impossible to effectively treat PMS.
Every woman knows what helps her best during this period. Some keep track, while others actively engage in physical activity. Massaging the lower back and using warm or cold cream on the massaged area often helps.
Video about premenstrual syndrome
Medicines to relieve symptoms
To alleviate PMS, it is not necessary to immediately resort to the use of medications. It is enough to improve your lifestyle and add relaxation exercises to your regime.
But if healthy image life is not able to alleviate your condition, you can use homeopathic remedies, which often completely eliminate all unpleasant symptoms.
Many women who experience significant PMS use hormonal contraceptives. Their main function is to protect against unplanned pregnancy, so every day a woman receives a drug with a certain amount of hormones.
Their concentration in tablets differs from the quantity in which they are contained in the female body during the period of ovulation and PMS. During your menstrual cycle, you should stop taking hormones.
Remember that treating PMS with drugs only temporarily relieves symptoms, but does not eliminate the problem and is a kind of “camouflage”. In order to survive in the long term, you need to regulate your diet and change your lifestyle.
Folk remedies
First of all, women should ensure that they have an adequate supply of B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium.
Excellent for relieving the condition herbal teas and infusions:
- Pour half a teaspoon of ground cumin and crushed dill seeds into 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes, strain and drink throughout the day.
- Use an aroma lamp, to do this, take 3 tablespoons of water, 2 drops of lavender, 2 drops of ylang-ylang and 2 drops of bergamot. Add the resulting mixture to the lamp, light the candle and leave the room. This combination helps balance emotions and helps change your mood for the better.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 drops of lavender, 1 drop of lemon balm, 2 drops of ylang-ylang add to the bath, this will help relieve tension and pleasantly relax.
- Mix spinach and carrot juices in a 1:2 ratio. Drink every day on an empty stomach before meals.
The most positive effect on premenstrual syndrome comes from lifestyle changes.
In order to do this, try following these rules:
- eat small portions and more often;
- limit your intake of salt and salty foods;
- choose foods rich in important vitamins and microelements;
- avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine;
- go in for sports, this could be walking, cycling, swimming, such activity will help reduce stress, headaches and eliminate sleep problems;
- Connecting with loved ones helps prevent social isolation and also affects your mood.
If symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis. Only specialists will help identify the problem, take appropriate measures and prescribe treatment.
Reading time: 3 min
PMS- This large group physical and psycho-emotional pathological changes in the body of a cyclical nature, closely related to the approaching menstruation. There is probably no woman who has not at least once experienced unpleasant changes in her general condition on the eve of her next menstruation. Moreover, if the incidence of PMS in girls does not exceed 20%, then among women who have overcome the age of thirty, it occurs in every second.
PMS is rightfully one of the most mysterious conditions of the female body. Its reliable causes are unknown, so it is customary to talk about predisposing conditions for its development.
PMS is not a disease; it is an extensive list of possible pathological symptoms that can appear in a woman before menstruation and disappear without a trace after its end. The severity of PMS and the nature of clinical manifestations are different for all patients, so this syndrome does not have specific clinical signs, but it has one clear diagnostic criterion - a connection with approaching menstruation. One or two weeks before the next menstruation, a woman’s well-being changes: psycho-emotional disorders, peripheral edema of the extremities, weight gain, enlargement and sensitivity of the mammary glands, vegetative-vascular manifestations, and so on appear.
The clinical characteristics of PMS consist of a huge number (about 150) of potential symptoms, but each patient has her own, sometimes unique, set of clinical signs. Finding two women with identical PMS symptoms is almost impossible.
The presence of a clear connection between the regular deterioration of a woman’s condition on the eve of her next menstruation indicates the hormonal nature of PMS. The frequent occurrence of PMS in adolescents is obviously associated with the incomplete process of formation of the hormonal function of the ovaries, and PMS in menopausal women is caused by its natural decline.
Clinical signs of PMS in women are expressed differently and vary widely from mild ailments to severe conditions that disrupt the usual rhythm of life. Regardless of the form and severity of pathological signs, their appearance in the second phase of the cycle and disappearance in the first is usually correlated with PMS.
Since PMS is accompanied by a large number of symptoms not associated with gynecology, patients often initially turn to other specialists: neurologists, endocrinologists, therapists, and others. Unfortunately, before getting to the right specialist, they often undergo long-term treatment for non-existent ailments.
Physiological changes in the body on the eve of menstruation are always accompanied by changes in well-being. Periodically occurring mood changes, increased appetite, enlarged mammary glands and other common precursors of menstruation are associated with physiological hormonal changes in the body and are not always manifestations of PMS. In healthy women, such symptoms do not recur regularly before each menstruation, but appear sporadically.
PMS is indicated by the presence of a certain number of symptoms that recur before each menstruation and go away on their own after its completion.
Diagnostic measures include a mandatory study of hormonal function indicators, and the list of other studies depends on the clinical manifestations of PMS.
There are no clear treatment regimens or special pills for PMS, because its manifestations are individual and very diverse. Used medications for PMS belong to different groups and are intended for the gradual elimination of all existing symptoms and predisposing factors.
The success of treatment is determined by the normal hormonal function of the ovaries, a two-phase cycle and the disappearance of pathological symptoms.
There is a misconception among women that PMS, especially its mild forms, is normal and does not require drug correction. Meanwhile, PMS can become more severe over the years, and pathological menopause in women with PMS develops more often.
Causes of PMS
PMS cannot be associated with disorders in one system, since its manifestations belong to almost the entire body. Therefore, all existing theories of the occurrence of PMS explain the development of pathological symptoms in only one system of the body, but cannot link them together.
One of the most reliable reasons for the development of PMS is considered to be hormonal dysfunction. It is she who explains PMS in adolescents during the period of unstable ovarian function. It may appear with the first menstruation or after several normal cycles. If the period of development of hormonal function in adolescence has passed properly, the chances of developing PMS in girls are significantly reduced.
A change in the normal ratio of hormones provokes a temporary disruption of the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, PMS in women often occurs after abortion, pathological pregnancy, removal or ligation of the fallopian tubes, as well as against the background of improperly used hormonal contraception.
Hormonal imbalance, namely a violation of the normal ratio of estrogen and progesterone, increases lability nervous system and cause psycho-emotional disorders inherent in PMS.
There is also an assumption about the initial influence of changes in the central nervous system on the development of PMS. It is based on the fact that PMS is more often diagnosed in emotionally labile patients with high mental stress, frequent stress, or against the background of significant fatigue. Among residents of megacities, there are significantly more PMS owners than among those living in rural areas.
Changes in the mammary glands on the eve of the next menstruation also have hormonal causes. In response to a provoking factor, the pituitary gland synthesizes too much of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the condition of the mammary glands. On the eve of menstruation, they become sensitive, dense and increase in volume.
With PMS, normal indicators of water-salt balance change. Fluid and sodium retention in the kidneys lead to edema.
A significant role in the formation of PMS belongs to tissue hormones prostaglandins, which are synthesized by almost all organs and tissues. It has been noted that some symptoms of PMS are similar to those with an excess of prostaglandins: migraine headaches, defecation disorders, nausea or vomiting, and various behavioral changes. Prostaglandins are also responsible for vegetative and vascular disorders during the premenstrual period.
Among the causes of PMS development there are also: deficiency of zinc, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6; being underweight or exhausted; endocrine disorders; neuroinfections and thyroid diseases. A genetic predisposition to the appearance of PMS has been established.
Thus, the leading place among the causes of PMS development is occupied by functional disorders in the central nervous system and hormonal dysfunction of the ovaries, congenital or acquired.
Symptoms and signs of PMS
The clinical characteristics of PMS cover numerous cyclically repeating pathological changes in almost all body systems. However, every woman has her own unique set of symptoms. Depending on the predominance of certain clinical signs of PMS, there are four main forms of its course:
Neuropsychic (sometimes called psychovegetative) form of PMS. They are distinguished by pronounced disturbances in the emotional sphere and changes in the functioning of the nervous system. On the eve of menstruation, the mood changes: the patient becomes depressed, irritable, tearfulness, insomnia, etc. may appear. In addition to changes in mood, headaches and dizziness, changes in appetite, fatigue, heart pain and other neurological symptoms occur. In adult women, depressive disorders predominate in the clinic, and PMS in adolescents is characterized by manifestations of excessive aggressiveness.
The edematous form of PMS is associated with the predominance of signs of water-salt imbalance and is associated with fluid retention in the tissues. The main symptom is swelling of varying severity that occurs on the face, legs and hands. Fluid retention in the tissues leads to an increase in the volume of the mammary glands and their soreness (), as well as to weight gain. Thirst, joint pain, and changes in bowel function appear.
The cephalgic form of PMS occurs with pronounced vegetative-vascular disorders. The leading symptom is migraine-like headaches. As a rule, such pains have a characteristic unilateral localization in the temple area and are characterized by patients as twitching or pulsating. They are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable diarrhea and dizziness. Women with the cephalgic form of PMS usually have a history of cardiovascular pathology, stomach and intestinal diseases, and psychological trauma.
The crisis form of PMS resembles wave-like “panic attacks.” Suddenly, often in the evening or at night, the patient experiences attacks of rapid heartbeat, suffocation and unmotivated fear. The crisis form of PMS is characteristic of the premenopausal period, and therefore is more often present in patients after 45 years of age.
The identification of forms of PMS is conditional and does not mean that a patient can simultaneously have only the symptoms inherent in one form of PMS. With mixed forms of PMS, a combination of psychovegetative and edematous forms is more common.
The clinical picture of PMS does not always fit into the designated framework; sometimes PMS occurs in an atypical manner. Before and during menstruation, symptoms appear: fever, inflammation of the oral mucosa, and vomiting. Any atypical symptoms, the regular occurrence of which has a clear connection with menstruation, are classified as an atypical form of PMS.
The number of symptoms and their severity determine how severe PMS is. The presence of 3-4 clinical signs, of which only one or two are strongly expressed, indicates a mild course of PMS. Severe degree is characterized by pronounced 2-5 symptoms out of 5-12 available.
If PMS manifests itself with minor symptoms and does not progress over many years, it is considered compensated. As a rule, all its manifestations disappear at the beginning of the next menstruation.
The subcompensated stage of PMS is characterized by a gradual increase in clinical manifestations and disrupts the patient’s usual rhythm of life.
Severe PMS with severe symptoms and disability indicate a decompensated process. Its symptoms disappear a few days after menstruation.
Often, patients do not know whether and how to distinguish it from PMS if similar symptoms appear. Indeed, short-term pregnancy and PMS may have similar symptoms: fatigue, changes in appetite and weight, enlargement and sensitivity of the mammary glands, swelling, psycho-emotional changes, and others. As a rule, the doctor is able to distinguish these conditions by examining the medical history and the results of a blood test for hCG - the “pregnancy hormone”. However, before the onset of a delay in menstruation, this method is not always reliable.
So how can you distinguish pregnancy from PMS while waiting for your next menstruation? By carefully observing the changes in the state of her body, a woman herself can come to the right conclusion. You can think about early pregnancy if:
You recently had unprotected sexual intercourse;
These symptoms do not recur every month before your period;
Your condition is not associated with a non-gynecological illness: colds, intestinal infections, stress, climate change and others.
If the presence of a short-term pregnancy is not excluded, the next menstruation will not occur on time. If it is delayed, you can do a rapid test and then consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of PMS
As a rule, patients with PMS symptoms initially turn to endocrinologists, therapists or neurologists according to the PMS form, but their therapy does not give the desired result, so treatment of a non-existent illness can continue for years.
If a woman manages to notice a clear connection between the deterioration of her condition and the approaching menstruation, the diagnosis of PMS begins in a timely manner. Since PMS does not have a clear list of clinical signs, its primary diagnosis relies on two diagnostic criteria: a clear connection of symptoms with the menstrual cycle and the absence of mental disorders in the patient.
Based on an analysis of the most common forms of PMS, a list of symptoms has been compiled that allows a correct diagnosis to be made. It is considered reliable if the patient has at least five of the following clinical signs, with the mandatory presence of the first four:
Feeling of unmotivated anxiety and tension;
Feeling of hopelessness and melancholy, bad mood;
Indifferent attitude towards surrounding people and events;
Fatigue and physical weakness;
Decreased memory, inability to concentrate;
Poor appetite, tendency to;
Changes in the usual rhythm of sleep - insomnia or drowsiness;
Severe headaches, painful mammary glands, swelling of the face and limbs, weight gain, pain in muscles and joints.
The final diagnosis is made after monitoring the patient's condition over several menstrual cycles. She is asked to regularly record premenstrual symptoms in a special observation diary. After 3-4 cycles, the data presented in the diary is analyzed. If during the observation period the records reflect the regularity of pathological symptoms and their clear connection with menstruation, the diagnosis of PMS is obvious.
The diagnosis of PMS implies a mandatory study of the patient’s hormonal status. The nature of changes in the amount of hormones (prolactin, estradiol and progesterone) in different phases of the cycle is determined. At different forms PMS these changes are not equivalent. Thus, a decrease in normal levels of progesterone in the second phase of the cycle is observed in the edematous form of PMS, and in others there is an increase in the level of prolactin.
Additional examinations are carried out to exclude extragenital pathology masquerading as PMS. For neuropsychic and cephalgic forms of PMS, consultation with a neurologist and psychiatrist is required. To exclude space-occupying formations in the brain in case of severe headaches, visual and hearing impairment, CT or MRI may be performed.
Electroencephalograms in patients with PMS show cyclic disturbances in the electrical activity of the brain.
For mastodynia, after visiting a mammologist, the patient undergoes an ultrasound of the mammary glands or a mammographic examination to exclude.
The edematous form of PMS requires a study of kidney function, and in order to exclude the presence of cardiovascular pathology, patients with a crisis form of PMS are examined by a therapist.
Self-diagnosis for PMS is unacceptable. Feeling unwell on the eve of menstruation has many reasons and does not always mean PMS.
PMS treatment
Treating PMS is a very difficult task, because this condition affects almost everything. important systems body. The close connection of PMS with the hormonal function of the ovaries explains the complete disappearance of all its manifestations after the cessation of menstruation. In young women with preserved menstrual function, complete relief from PMS is possible only with mild forms of the disease.
Since a single reliable cause of PMS has not been established, therapy is aimed at eliminating pathological premenstrual manifestations. Proper symptomatic therapy can make PMS easier, restore ability to work and improve quality of life.
Unfortunately, not all patients resort to the help of a doctor; many choose medications for PMS on their own. Self-medication can reduce the symptoms of the disease, but does not guarantee its cure. Any self-administered pills for PMS will not replace full-fledged comprehensive treatment.
All patients suffering from PMS, regardless of its form, have psycho-emotional disorders due to an incorrect attitude towards their condition. Before starting treatment, they need to explain in detail the essence of the disease itself and tell them about the methods of treatment. In order for the patient to form the right emotional mood and for the treatment to have positive results, she is recommended to change her lifestyle: follow a proper diet, be physically active, give up bad habits, etc. If necessary, the treatment plan includes sessions with a psychologist.
Drug treatment is selected according to the form of the disease and takes into account the list of existing symptoms. It is also necessary to take into account the observation diary data so that the prescribed treatment coincides with or precedes the onset of PMS symptoms.
For psychoneurological abnormalities, sedatives and psychotropic drugs are prescribed. In the second phase of the cycle, the drugs Oxazepam, Diazepam, Amitriptyline and others are recommended.
In cases of severe edema, antihistamines (Tavegil, Suprastin and others) or mild diuretics like Spironolactone help. Antihypertensive drugs help normalize blood pressure; high levels of prolactin are eliminated with the help of Parlodel.
Homeopathic remedies have gained great popularity for the treatment of PMS. Among them are herbal non-hormonal preparations that can restore normal functioning of the nervous system, eliminate swelling and stabilize hormonal levels. The availability of a large number of homeopathic remedies does not imply taking them independently without first talking with a doctor.
PMS has a large number of symptoms, so individual ways to eliminate them are selected for each patient.
In case of pronounced hormonal abnormalities, they resort to the use of hormonal drugs. They restore the normal ratio of hormones according to the phases of the cycle. They use gestagens (Utrozhestan, Duphaston) or monophasic agents like Logest.
For treatment to be more successful, it is necessary to exclude the onset of ovulation. Zoladex and others like it cope with this task.
If PMS recurs many times, hormonal drugs are prescribed for a long time in a continuous rhythm.
PMS therapy lasts several months, and in case of relapses it has to be repeated. Treatment is considered successful if the severity of PMS symptoms decreases or disappears completely.
The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional advice and qualified medical care. If you have the slightest suspicion that you have this disease, be sure to consult your doctor!
Premenstrual syndrome occurs before critical days as a result of the pathological course of the second phase of the female cycle. Symptoms of PMS in women occur in 5-40 percent. Other names for this pathology are premenstrual illness, premenstrual tension.
Causes
The entire functioning of the female body is influenced by certain sex hormones:
- In the first phase of the cycle, estrogen is produced. It is characterized by a positive effect on the psycho-emotional and physical well-being of a woman, increasing vitality and various abilities.
- In the second phase of the cycle, progesterone is intensively produced. Its effect is sedative, depressing, causing bad mood, reducing performance.
Thus, during the transition from the first phase of the menstrual cycle to the second, a sharp change in hormonal levels occurs. This is how signs of PMS appear before menstruation - this is a peculiar reaction of the body.
Rapid changes in the balance of hormones lead to somatic and psycho-vegetative disorders.
Doctors name various reasons that contribute to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms in girls and women:
- heredity;
- gynecological diseases;
- improper, unbalanced diet;
- consumption of alcohol, nicotine, drugs;
- excessive physical activity;
- abortions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- emotional instability.
PMS symptoms
They are so different that medicine divides them into groups.
Manifestations from the vegetative-vascular system:
- headaches, migraines;
- heartache;
- dyspnea;
- increased heart rate;
- increased blood pressure;
- pulsation in temples;
- swelling;
- high sensitivity to sounds and smells.
Manifestations of the nervous system:
- rapid mood changes;
- emotional instability - aggression, tearfulness, depression;
- insomnia or disruption of the day and night routine;
- feeling of fear;
- problems with appetite.
Manifestations from the digestive system:
- diarrhea or constipation;
- nausea, vomiting;
- increased gas formation;
- frequent urination.
Wondering how to relieve pain, many women struggle with discomfort on their own. It makes sense to consult a doctor and get help; the lack of proper therapy for premenstrual syndrome can lead to the development of a decompensated form of the disease.
How to distinguish from pregnancy?
Many people are concerned about the question - signs of PMS and pregnancy, what is the difference between their manifestations. And indeed, at first glance, these states are similar.
Signs of pregnancy include:
- weakness, fatigue;
- manifestations of nausea, vomiting;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- high sensitivity, discomfort in the mammary glands, their;
- change of mood.
Then how to distinguish PMS symptoms from pregnancy? First of all, you should wait for your period. If it happened, and before that there was unprotected sexual intercourse, you need to do it.
The test is based on a reaction to hCG, a hormone produced in a woman’s body after conception. But an early test may not always show the correct result. Reliable data will be provided by an ultrasound and a visit to a gynecologist.
Do I need to go to the doctor?
How many days before menstruation PMS symptoms occur depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body. But in any case, if they are very pronounced and interfere with normal life, you need to see a doctor, undergo an examination and receive therapy.
- hormonal to restore the balance of hormones in the body;
- antidepressants – reduce emotional disorders;
- diuretics – relieve swelling;
- antihistamines - in the presence of allergic manifestations;
- vitamins.
The therapy is complex and lasts up to six months.
You can relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by following these recommendations:
- balanced diet;
- restriction in salted, smoked foods;
- refusal of coffee, smoking, alcoholic beverages;
- complete rest;
- physical activity.
You can use the funds traditional medicine. Tea made from mint, chamomile, and motherwort are effective. They can complement drug treatment.
Video about the disease
– a cyclically recurring symptom complex observed in the second half of the menstrual cycle (3-12 days before menstruation). It has an individual course and can be characterized by headache, severe irritability or depression, tearfulness, nausea, vomiting, skin itching, swelling, pain in the abdomen and in the heart area, palpitations, etc. Swelling, skin rashes, flatulence, painful engorgement of the mammary glands. In severe cases, neurosis may develop.
General information
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, are called vegetative-vascular, neuropsychic and metabolic-endocrine disorders that occur during the menstrual cycle (usually in the second phase). Synonyms for this condition found in the literature are the concepts of “premenstrual illness”, “premenstrual tension syndrome”, “cyclic illness”. Every second woman over the age of 30 is familiar with premenstrual syndrome firsthand; in women under 30, this condition occurs somewhat less frequently - in 20% of cases. In addition, manifestations of premenstrual syndrome usually accompany emotionally unstable, thin, asthenic women who are more likely to exercise intellectual sphere activities.
Causes of premenstrual syndrome
The course of the crisis form of premenstrual syndrome is manifested by sympatho-adrenal crises, characterized by attacks of rising blood pressure, tachycardia, heart pain without abnormalities on the ECG, and panic. The end of a crisis is usually accompanied by copious urination. Often attacks are provoked by stress and overwork. The crisis form of premenstrual syndrome can develop from untreated cephalgic, neuropsychic or edematous forms and usually manifests itself after 40 years. The background for the crisis form of premenstrual syndrome is diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and digestive tract.
Cyclic manifestations of atypical forms of premenstrual syndrome include: increased body temperature (in the second phase of the cycle up to 37.5 ° C), hypersomnia (drowsiness), ophthalmoplegic migraine (headaches with oculomotor disorders), allergic reactions (ulcerative stomatitis and ulcerative gingivitis, asthmatic syndrome, uncontrollable vomiting, iridocyclitis, Quincke's edema, etc.).
When determining the severity of premenstrual syndrome, they proceed from the number of symptomatic manifestations, distinguishing between mild and severe forms of premenstrual syndrome. A mild form of premenstrual syndrome is manifested by 3-4 characteristic symptoms that appear 2-10 days before the onset of menstruation, or by the presence of 1-2 significantly pronounced symptoms. In severe forms of premenstrual syndrome, the number of symptoms increases to 5-12; they appear 3-14 days before the onset of menstruation. Moreover, all of them or several symptoms are significantly expressed.
In addition, an indicator of a severe form of premenstrual syndrome is always a disability, regardless of the severity and number of other manifestations. Decreased ability to work is usually observed in the neuropsychic form of premenstrual syndrome.
It is customary to distinguish three stages in the development of premenstrual syndrome:
- compensation stage - symptoms appear in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and disappear with the onset of menstruation; the course of premenstrual syndrome does not progress over the years
- subcompensation stage - the number of symptoms increases, their severity worsens, manifestations of PMS accompany the entire menstruation; Premenstrual syndrome becomes more severe with age
- stage of decompensation - early start and late cessation of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome with minor “bright” intervals, severe PMS.
Diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome
The main diagnostic criterion for premenstrual syndrome is cyclicality, the periodic nature of complaints that arise on the eve of menstruation and their disappearance after menstruation.
The diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome can be made based on the following signs:
- State of aggression or depression.
- Emotional imbalance: mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, conflict.
- Bad mood, feeling of melancholy and hopelessness.
- State of anxiety and fear.
- Decreased emotional tone and interest in current events.
- Increased fatigue and weakness.
- Decreased attention, memory impairment.
- Changes in appetite and taste preferences, signs of bulimia, weight gain.
- Insomnia or drowsiness.
- Painful tension in the mammary glands, swelling
- Headaches, muscle or joint pain.
- Worsening of the course of chronic extragenital pathology.
The manifestation of five of the above signs with the obligatory presence of at least one of the first four allows us to speak with confidence about premenstrual syndrome. An important part of the diagnosis is the patient’s keeping a self-observation diary, in which she should note all disturbances in her well-being over the course of 2-3 cycles.
A study of hormones (estradiol, progesterone and prolactin) in the blood allows us to determine the form of premenstrual syndrome. It is known that the edematous form is accompanied by a decrease in progesterone levels in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Cephalgic, neuropsychic and crisis forms of premenstrual syndrome are characterized by an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood. The prescription of additional diagnostic methods is dictated by the form of premenstrual syndrome and leading complaints.
Severe manifestation of cerebral symptoms (headaches, fainting, dizziness) is an indication for an MRI or CT scan of the brain to exclude focal lesions. EEG results are indicative for neuropsychic, edematous, cephalgic and crisis forms of the premenstrual cycle. In the diagnosis of the edematous form of premenstrual syndrome, an important role is played by measuring daily diuresis, recording the amount of fluid drunk, and conducting tests to study the excretory function of the kidneys (for example, Zimnitsky's test, Rehberg's test). In case of painful engorgement of the mammary glands, an ultrasound of the mammary glands or mammography is necessary to exclude organic pathology.
An examination of women suffering from one or another form of premenstrual syndrome is carried out with the participation of doctors of various specialties: neurologist, therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, etc. Prescribed symptomatic treatment, as a rule, leads to an improvement in well-being in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Treatment of premenstrual syndrome
In the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, drug and non-drug methods are used. Non-drug therapy includes psychotherapeutic treatment, adherence to work regime and good rest, physical therapy, physiotherapy. An important point is to maintain a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of plant and animal protein, plant fiber, and vitamins. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, you should limit the consumption of carbohydrates, animal fats, sugar, salt, caffeine, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages.
Drug treatment is prescribed by a medical specialist, taking into account the leading manifestations of premenstrual syndrome. Since neuropsychic manifestations are expressed in all forms of premenstrual syndrome, almost all patients are advised to take sedative (sedative) drugs several days before the expected onset of symptoms. Symptomatic treatment of premenstrual syndrome involves the use of painkillers, diuretics, and antiallergic drugs.
The leading place in the drug treatment of premenstrual syndrome is occupied by specific hormonal therapy with progesterone analogues. It should be remembered that the treatment of premenstrual syndrome is a long process, sometimes continuing throughout the entire reproductive period, requiring internal discipline from the woman and strict compliance with all doctor’s instructions.
