Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also sometimes known as “Premenstrual Tension”, is a collection or group of symptoms that is linked to a woman’s monthly cycle or period. But these symptoms usually disappear after before or after a woman starts are monthly period. Symptoms of PMS vary for every woman but PMS stops when a woman reaches menopause.

The causes of PMS are not really known, but PMS has been linked to changing hormones during the monthly menstruation cycle. Studies have shown that stress or emotional problems do not cause PMS but can make PMS worse!

Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome

•    Mood swings

•    Acne

•    Abdominal bloating

•    Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

•    Headache

•    Tenderness of the breasts

•    Food cravings

•    Anxiety or feelings of depression

•    Fatigue

•    Joint or pain in the muscles

•    Loss of concentration

•    Abdominal cramps

•    Easily irritated, crying spells or tension

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

•    Age

•    Excessive caffeine consumption

•    Smoking or tobacco use

•    Stress factors

•    Dietary factors (insufficient intake of certain minerals and vitamins)

•    History of depression

•    Family history (genetic factors)

How To Treat Pms

PMS maybe treated using the following methods:

1.    Diet

Try to eat foods rich in nutrients, foods such as fruits and vegetables, breads, protein and dairy products. Eating foods that are good for your health can help you feel better and give you extra energy to keep you going. You can improve your diet in order to keep PMS symptoms at bay by following the instructions below.

•    Do not gorge on processed foods because most fast foods and processed foods are packed with fat! Try as much as possible to avoid these foods, but if you must eat them, order for lean meats because lean meat have little (or no) fat in them.

•    Avoid foods that contain a lot of salt (sodium) because eating less salt can help you reduce body swelling.

•    Fiber power! Eat a lot of fiber rich foods, like fruits, whole grains and vegetables

•    Take a lot of calcium rich food and drinks, i.e. salmon, broccoli, milk, nuts etc

•    Go easy on the sugar, if you have a sweet tooth and can’t seem to keep your hands off sugary stuff, eat foods that are sweet and healthy; for example. Wheat breads, cereals, potatoes and pasta (yum!)

•    Avoid foods that could make you feel moody or nervous. Caffeine is known to increase nervousness and mood swings, stay away from foods that contain caffeine, and that includes: Coffee, chocolate and soda.

•    Stay away from alcohol (for at least a week) before you start your monthly cycle.

2.    Physical Activity

Engage in regular exercises for at least 2 or 3 times a week. Exercise is great for reducing stress and PMS symptoms. You can also do yoga exercises, which is a very good relaxation exercise.

3.    Rest

Try to get enough rest; in order to achieve this, avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks and quit smoking. The human body needs 6 to 8 hours of sleep in order to function properly.

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