Dr Neena Singla
You are not alone as 80-90 per cent of women in reproductive age group suffer from some kind of premenstrual symptoms which can vary from mild to very severe. These symptoms maybe physical and emotional without any organic or psychiatric disease and typically occur in the one to two weeks interval after the ovulation and before the start of the period. Usually resolving 1-2 days before bleeding or with onset of bleeding.
In 20-30 per cent cases these symptoms qualify as PMS or premenstrual syndrome, if they are severe enough to interfere with day to day normal activities. Very severe symptoms which are disabling and require antidepressants in 3-8 per cent of women fall in the category of Premenstrual Dystrophic Disorder.
Get the signal
Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome is based on a typical consistent pattern of symptoms appearing every month in the latter half of cycle after the ovulation, lasting for an average of 6-7 days. Most women complain of acne, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, back pain, joint pains, abdominal cramps, changes in bowel movements, tiredness and changes in libido or interest in sex. Emotional symptoms may be irritability, mood swings which may cause anxiety, headache, difficulty in sleeping, increased emotional sensitivity and unhappiness.
Finding the cause
Although exact cause is not known, the hormonal changes that occur every month during the menstrual cycle are thought to play an important part. Women typically in the age group of 20-40 years and having at least one child seem to be more sensitive to these changes.
High intake of sodium in the form of salt, too much consumption of alcohol, tea or coffee aggravate the symptoms. Deficiency of dietary Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and calcium also contribute to the symptoms. Past or present history of depression or mood disorders predispose to PMS and incidence is more in such women leading to worsening of symptoms.
Get the better of it
Lifestyle changes have a significant role in the management of mild PMS. Reduce salt intake to prevent water retention. Limit consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, greens, complex carbohydrates, grains and low fat dairy products in your diet. Incorporate daily exercise of 30-40 minutes at least five days a week. Exercise, yoga, meditation all help to reduce stress and act as mood elevators by causing chemical changes in the brain to release mood elevating hormones. Usually no other treatment may be required apart from relieving symptoms with mild painkillers and antacids
(Singla is a Chandigarh-based gynecologist)
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2OPklqQ
via Today’s News Headlines
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