By Pharm Chiamaka Jibuaku
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a medical condition that affects a woman’s psychological and physical well-being as well as her behavior. These changes occur in the week(s) before her menstrual flow and resolve gradually following the cessation of her menstrual flow and most times disrupts her day-to-day activities. About 85% of women experience PMS.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can be subdivided into three categories which may vary from one person to another. The common symptoms experienced include;
Physical signs and symptoms
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal Pain
- Sore breasts
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Pimples
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Migraine pain
- Hip pain
- Stomach upset.
- Nausea
Emotional symptoms
- Irritability
- Over sensitivity
- Mood swings with alternating sadness and anger
- Depression
- Crying
Behavioral symptoms
- Social withdrawal
- Food cravings
- Forgetfulness and decreased motivation
- Poor concentration
Causes
The cause of PMS is unknown, however PMS has been attributed to the following factors;
- Hormonal changes such as Oestrogen excess or progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase
- Increased carbohydrate tolerance in the luteal phase
- Pyridoxine deficiency
- Increased production of vasopressin and aldosterone
- Fluctuation in opiate peptide concentrations affecting endorphin levels
- Eating habits, drugs, and lifestyles
- Chemical changes in the brain: reduced serotonin level in the brain, a chemical (neurotransmitter) that’s implicated in mood states, could trigger PMS symptoms like premenstrual depression, sleep problems as well as fatigue and food cravings
- Other factors include; stress, smoking, overweight, and family history
Diagnosis
There is no clinically proven test for PMS. However, if you experience the aforementioned symptoms, you can discuss with your doctor, your symptoms including the severity and how often you experience the symptoms. This will guide the doctor in making proper medical recommendations.
Treatment
There is no cure for PMS, however the symptoms associated can be managed through various means such as;
- life changes
- Pain-relieving medications can ease cramping and breast tenderness
- dietary modifications and
- hormone treatments
Hormonal treatment such as oral desogestrel and ethinylestradiol e.g. Desofem has proven to be successful in managing PMS. By taking desofem continuously, PMS symptoms are relieved as it works by suppressing ovulation and cyclical endocrine/biochemical changes which cause the distressing symptoms. Note that desofem is not an over-the-counter medicine and should be taken only if prescribed by the doctor.
Remember to call 55059 (Honey & Banana connect) to speak with medical experts on information about contraceptives and hormonal therapy for women’s health. The consultation can be done in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages via all networks in Nigeria for free.