What Is PMS?

PMS is a condition that has a wide variety of signs and symptoms that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health and behavior before the menstrual cycle.

The signs and symptoms include mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, cramps, and depression.

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Why PMS Happens?

Researchers believe that change in both sex hormone and serotonin levels at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is the reason behind PMS.

Levels of estrogen and progesterone increase during certain times of the month.

An increase in these hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.

Also, serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that's thought to play a crucial role in moods, can trigger PMS symptoms.

PMSing is a very common condition and affects more than 90% of menstruating women.

Nearly 32% of women state that the PMS symptoms are severe and obstruct some aspects of life.

The severity of PMS symptoms varies by individual and by month.

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When Does PMS Start?

Any menstruating woman can experience PMS symptoms five to eleven days before their periods.

Even though every 3 out of 4 women are PMSing, some are more likely to have symptoms:

# PMSing women are more likely in the late 20s or mid-40s.

# PMS can be severe during menopause, i.e. near to 40s.

# Family history of PMS.

# Physical trauma.

# Emotional trauma.

While it is clear that PMSing women often go through mood swings, period pain, fatigue, bloating yet, the real cause of PMS is still unknown.

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How do I know if I'm PMSing?

Symptoms tend to recur every month in a pattern that can be tracked.

But the physical and emotional changes experienced with PMS vary from slightly noticeable to intense.

Still, you can easily tap them in a tracker before your menses start.

Below are some of the symptoms to look out for:

Emotional Symptoms:

# Tension or anxiety

# Depressed mood

# Crying spells

# Mood swings and irritability or anger

# Appetite changes and food cravings

# Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

# Social withdrawal

# Poor concentration

# Change in libido

Physical Symptoms:

Source: India Express

# Joint or muscle pain

# Headache

# Fatigue

# Weight gain related to fluid retention

# Abdominal bloating

# Breast tenderness

# Acne & pimples

# Constipation or diarrhoea

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Remedies to Deal With PMS

While there’s no escape route to keep the hormonal changes at bay, you can at least try some hacks to ease your period flow and make yourself calm until your flow begins and your hormones amplify.

These tips will give relief to all the PMSing women and help you be healthier and enjoy your healthful periods in general.

Move Your Body:

We know fatigue has surrounded you and the cramps are not letting you move from one room to another but you can pin down this unbearable pain by keeping your body active.

Indulge yourself in regular workouts and keep your muscles relaxed with regular stretches.

Even when you are on your periods, try some basic poses such as:

# Child Pose

# Cobra Pose

# Forward Fold

# Forward Bend

And other light cardio exercises like brisk walking, skipping, etc.

Exercising lifts your mood and boosts an important brain chemical called endorphins which may also help reduce the amount of pain you feel from PMS.

Whatever you do, just don’t overdo it!

Limit Caffeine:

You might be addicted to caffeine but in the case of PMS, it will only worsen the pain.

One of the most common symptoms of PMS is sleeplessness and caffeine is the best drink when you want to be a night owl.

So, cut down your caffeine intake before and during your periods.

A sound sleep is important for you to fight those period blues.

Healthy Food For Pain-Free Periods:

Healthy eating is the need of the hour and one can’t deny the fact that it protects us from a lot of ailments and your period cramps too! Include healthy, nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins, iron and other nutrients such as:

# Yogurt

# Juices

# Fruits

# Leafy vegetables

Your sugar cravings increase and it’s impossible to say no to chocolates or ice creams, but unfortunately, you have to! Decrease your sugar intake, this is happening because of the shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Hindering them might turn on your beast mode!

Supplements to Ease The Period Pain:

Supplements are delicious alternatives to pills and a better option to ease that pain easily.

These are full of nutrients that are traditionally used to wretch the pain during your periods and help you have a sound mood before that.

Some of the supplement includes ingredients like:

# Passion Flower Extract: Relieves anxiety

# Chasteberry Extract: Eases body ache and cramps

# Magnesium Sulphate: Moderates sleep

# Vitamin B: Manages mood swings

# Vitamin C: Help in the relaxation of pelvis muscles

If you are worried about taking supplements, you need to think again!

Nowadays, supplements come in the form of tasty, chewable gummies like PMS Gummies, which are easy to consume and alleviate all of your PMS symptoms.

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Note: If your PMS symptoms get worse with time or the pain is unbearable, you might even consult a doctor for the same.

Other than these, you can also pamper yourself with long hot water baths and heat pads that help comfort the abdomen pain and cramps during Periods.

We understand you take care of every aspect of your life and PMS is one of them too! Don’t let that period pain make you weak.

Give yourself some rest and a routine to face these symptoms with ease.

Menstruation health is as important as others!