Menstrual pain and PMS

12/22/1403

Menstrual pain and PMS are familiar words for every woman. So, at the very beginning of the article, you should know that you are not alone and there are few women who do not notice symptoms before the onset of menstruation. These symptoms usually show themselves from 7 to 10 days before the period with low and high degrees, which are called PMS in scientific language. Almost most of the women who have experienced these physical and mental pains are looking for a way to cure or at least reduce the severe pains before menstruation. Because even though these symptoms are natural and temporary; But in some women, these disorders have significant effects on their normal life. Therefore, if you are also struggling with menstrual pain and PMS, this guide will help you to comprehensively and completely find the cause of PMS and manage this period well and feel better using the solutions we provide.

What is premenstrual syndrome or PMS?

Generally, PMS includes a set of physical and mental symptoms that usually appear 7 to 10 days before the start of menstruation. This disorder, which is known as premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual syndrome, although the main cause of its occurrence has not been determined yet, but it is very common and about 90% of women experience various degrees of PMS. These problems show themselves more as they get closer to the days leading to their period and cause them various challenges.

What is the cause of premenstrual syndrome?

Many studies have shown that the cause of menstrual pain and PMS is due to changes in hormones. In a normal 28-day cycle, when the period ends, the body prepares itself for the next possible pregnancy. Loss of hormonal balance has a direct effect on the nervous system and brain and causes emotional and physical symptoms. In addition to this hormonal disturbance, stress, improper nutrition, inactivity and lack of sleep play a major role in the occurrence of pain during menstruation and PMS. Meanwhile, genetics and family history are another important factor in the cause of premenstrual symptoms that should not be ignored; So, if you have a family history of PMS, you are more likely to suffer from this syndrome.

How is pms related to hormones?

During premenstrual period, the level of female hormones estrogen and progesterone undergo many changes and fluctuations. For example, at the end of the follicular phase and before ovulation as well as after ovulation, estrogen levels are continuously increasing. But in case of non-pregnancy, it decreases and this causes pain in menstruation and PMS. On the other hand, by reducing the release of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body, the transmission of chemicals such as serotonin (responsible for mood regulation) in the brain is disrupted. This disorder causes some PMS symptoms such as depression, anxiety and bad mood to intensify.

How long is the pms course?

The time of onset of pain in menstruation and PMS and its end does not have a specific routine. It may even be different for you in every period. For example, you have a period of severe pain along with all pre-period symptoms and have no symptoms at all during another period. But usually the start of PMS is 7 to 10 days before the first day of menstrual bleeding. The duration of the course is not fixed and varies from 2 to 10 days. Most of the time, the symptoms peak on the first day of the period and gradually become milder and less frequent.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

First of all, it is better to know that hormonal changes in every woman's body show themselves in different ways. Just like when they are pregnant and each person's periods are different from another, women's pre-period symptoms are different from each other. It is even possible for two sisters or mother and daughter to have completely different PMS periods. The severity and type of symptoms and the amount of pain in menstruation and PMS are also different among women. Some people have few or very mild symptoms; But on the other hand, the severity of the symptoms is such that they need to see a doctor. Here we have divided all symptoms of premenstrual syndrome into two general categories, physical and emotional, which are as follows:

What are the physical symptoms of PMS?

• Abdominal and menstrual pains (dysmenorrhea) that occur due to uterine contractions in the lower abdomen. • Swelling in different parts of the body such as hands, feet, and abdomen, which occurs due to the increase of water and its accumulation in the body. • Pain and tenderness in the breasts, especially in the area around the nipples. • Increasing the possibility of tension headaches or migraines due to hormonal fluctuations. • Feeling very tired and lethargic, which may be related to insufficient sleep or hormonal changes. • Sleep disorders and problems such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness. • Increased appetite and desire to eat certain foods, especially sweet and fatty foods, due to the decrease in serotonin levels.

What are the emotional symptoms of PMS?

• Depression and feeling sad or anxious. • Extreme mood swings and sudden mood changes from happiness to sadness or anger. • Extreme irritability, restlessness, confusion along with anger and impetuousness. • Worry, stress and mental tension more than usual. • Lack of self-confidence, feelings of worthlessness or doubts about abilities. • Strong and unusual reactions to small events or other people's statements. • Missing and wanting to be alone and asking for emotional support from others. • Feeling of mental fatigue and lack of motivation in doing daily tasks. • Insomnia or sleeping too much with feeling tired. • Reduced concentration and memory and great hesitation in making decisions.

Premenstrual Dysfunction Disorder (PMDD)

Although menstrual pain and PMS are very common among women. But if the intensity of these symptoms increases so much that it endangers a person's physical and mental health, it changes from PMS to PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This disorder is chronic and severe and requires medical intervention and drug treatment. The probability of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in women is between 2 and 10%, which may occur from puberty to menopause.

What are the methods of diagnosing pms?

Diagnosis of PMS requires accuracy and accurate recognition of symptoms. In order to know whether these symptoms are temporary or permanent or what is their cause, it is necessary to record and check the symptoms in several periods. Then he consulted with a gynecologist so that he could find the cause based on the results of the required diagnostic tests and sonograms.

What are the pharmaceutical and home remedies for pms?

There are various medicinal ways to treat pain during menstruation and PMS, which are prescribed by the doctor based on the type of symptoms and their severity. All kinds of painkillers, hormonal supplements, diuretics (diuretics) and, most importantly, birth control pills and, if needed, antidepressants are among the most important medicinal methods for premenstrual syndrome. But here are some home remedies to treat premenstrual syndrome that, along with medications, can be very effective in improving and reducing pain.

Herbal treatment of menstrual pain and PMS

Acupuncture, massage therapy and the use of herbal oils such as primrose oil in pain points can be useful in relieving pain during menstruation and PMS. Also, the use of some medicinal plants such as the following can be effective in reducing stress and PMS symptoms:

Chamomile:

To calm the nerves and reduce anxiety

Ginger:

It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve muscle pain

Lavender:

To reduce stress and improve sleep

Proper diet during PMS

The best home remedy to reduce menstrual pain and PMS is to have a proper diet. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, sweets, white rice or white bread, especially during PMS. Also, to prevent bloating and aggravation of abdominal pain, do not eat salty and salty foods.

Instead, replace them with the following foods:

• Proteins such as lean meats, eggs, and legumes • Complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread and brown rice • Healthy fats and omega-3s such as fatty fish such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds • Whole grains such as oats • Fresh fruits and vegetables • Consuming foods rich in calcium and magnesium • Supplements such as vitamin B6, vitamin D, omega 3 and calcium Hydrate the body and drink at least 8 glasses of water every day

It is also better to chew and eat food slowly to reduce bloating. Avoid overeating and increase the number of meals instead of filling your stomach all at once. With this, a smaller volume enters the stomach each time and is digested well. As a result, the possibility of bloating will be less.

What are the solutions to reduce stress during premenstrual syndrome?

Stress and mood swings are one of the most common symptoms in premenstrual period (PMS). Therefore, reducing and managing stress during this period can help improve your mental and even physical condition. There are different ways to control stress, here are some important solutions.

1. Regular exercise

Exercise, especially aerobic sports such as walking, running, swimming, and especially yoga and meditation, can be considered the best way to reduce stress and control pain during menstruation and PMS. Because these activities cause the release of endorphins, hormones of happiness and relaxation.

2. Proper nutrition

Another way to manage stress during menstruation is to change lifestyle, the most important of which is to pay attention to nutrition. In other words, consuming some foods while avoiding eating some others can be effective in the level of stress.

3. enough sleep

Lack of sleep, insomnia or too much sleep are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that can aggravate stress and mood changes during PMS. So, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Having a regular and comfortable sleep routine can help improve the quality of sleep.

4. Hot shower

Bathing with hot water can reduce muscle tension and stress. Of course, there are some people who feel better with a cold shower. Massage and hydrotherapy are other methods, in addition to reducing stress, they help to treat menstrual pain and PMS.

5. Self-care

Making time for activities that make you happy and relax, such as reading, listening to music, or watching your favorite movies or being with friends and family, can also reduce or eliminate stress. Keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol can aggravate PMS symptoms and increase anxiety and stress. It is better to limit the consumption of these substances during this time and do not sacrifice your health for short-term pleasures.

What are the ways to prevent PMS?

Following the tips and solutions presented above can reduce the possibility of pain during menstruation and PMS or reduce their severity. Of course, it is better to visit a gynecologist in order to regulate the menstrual cycle and control the symptoms, so that he can give the necessary instructions and prescribe possible drugs based on your conditions.

Does PMS change with age?

Yes, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) pain in women can change with age. Research shows that these symptoms are usually at their most severe during adolescence and the onset of menstruation. But with increasing age, especially in periods close to menopause, their intensity gradually decreases. Because in young women, hormonal changes are more intense and the body reacts to these changes more actively. For this reason, symptoms such as fatigue, depression, menstrual pain, and mood swings are more likely to occur. But with the passage of time and age, hormonal changes become more natural and stable. Women in their 30s and 40s may experience less severe PMS symptoms. As a result, as we get closer to menopause, the intensity of PMS symptoms will decrease or change as the level of hormones decreases.

Which PMS symptoms should you see a doctor for?

Menstrual pain and PMS is a common problem among women that can have a direct impact on the quality of life for you and those around you. So if your pre-period symptoms are mild, you usually don't need any special treatment and can be managed with lifestyle changes. But if you have more severe symptoms that affect your daily life and you are having trouble managing it, you should definitely see a doctor to get the right treatments. Because it is important that these symptoms are taken seriously and necessary treatments are done to prevent future problems. Finally, with proper awareness and management, you can easily cope with these conditions and get through this period more easily.

5/5 - (1 point)