Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is a medical condition and has symptoms that affect many women of reproductive age. PMS creates a set of physical and psychological symptoms and changes that occur just before menstruation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines PMS as: “a cyclical occurrence of a set of symptoms that may be severe enough to interfere with some aspects of life and that occur in connection with menstruation.”
What causes premenstrual syndrome?
The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to be related to fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone that occur as the body prepares for menstruation.
What are Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms
It has different symptoms, and the number and severity of these symptoms vary from woman to woman. The severity of these symptoms can also vary from one woman to another during her menstrual cycle. Common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include:
- Bloating
- Tender and hard breasts
- Weight gain
- Aggression
- Headache/backache
- Food cravings/increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Crying
- Irritability
- Anxiety and depression
85% of women who menstruate experience some of these symptoms associated with their period. But only 2% to 10% of women experience severe symptoms.
