Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome is controversial, because for years it has been associated with instability in the female character, however, several theories state that the hormonal changes of menstrual cycle influence on brain chemistry.

Most women experience unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms 1 or 2 weeks before menstruation begins, for some may be insignificant and of short duration, but some people live this time as terrible ordeal because they are usually severe discomfort and sometimes disabling.

It is important to note that the so called premenstrual tension syndrome can manifest more of the following signs:

Breast tenderness (feeling of stiffness and swelling in breasts).
Abdominal pain and swelling.
Headache.
Increased or decreased appetite.
Fluid retention.
Need to eat sweets.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Acne.
Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping.
Feeling sad.
Fatigue.
Unrest.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Difficulty concentrating.

These sets of symptoms are premenstrual syndrome, but not all, occur naturally, or do so with the same intensity, although breast tenderness, abdominal swelling and irritability are the ones who suffer most women.

Models of explanation

Menstruation is the part of women's menstrual cycle in which the shedding of the endometrial (uterine lining) tissue that is prepared each month to feed the new baby (if fertilized) by increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone, since these hormones help to thicken its walls. If no fertilization, the endometrial is expelled together with blood and mucus from vagina and cervix (lower, narrow part of the uterus located in the bladder and rectum).

Now, consider that there are several hypotheses that attempt to explain PMS, which covered the body abnormal response to hormonal changes, allergy to progesterone and calcium and magnesium deficiency in the diet.

However, the most accepted theory is related to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, as several studies have found that these hormones cause changes in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells) serotonin and tryptophan, which are responsible for important functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, temperature, performance and muscle contractions.

What can be done?

First, check that the above symptoms are actually caused by premenstrual syndrome, for which it is necessary to note the dates displayed for three months if they occur 7 or 14 days before the blood and is decreasing when it comes, no doubt to have the disorder.

Importantly, no single treatment to relieve premenstrual syndrome that is effective for all women, so it is appropriate to implement the following recommendations:

Exercise. Improves blood circulation, providing feelings of wellbeing and energy, and helps alleviate the symptoms.

Stress management. Because it is somewhat difficult to avoid all stressful situations, it is recommended to implement a relaxation technique (eg, breathing exercises or yoga) to allow release of tension.

Diet. We suggest reducing the maximum intake of salt, coffee, fat and refined sugar to facilitate the removal of urine and reduce inflammation.

Leisure. When the mood is changing is beneficial to practice some calming activity like reading, listening to music or take a walk.

Drugs. There are some indicators to control the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome that can be supplemented with analgesics (to relieve headaches, back and abdomen), a mild laxative (control constipation), ant diarrheal (reduce liquid stool output) and food supplements (for enhance the feeling of fatigue).

As you can see, you can try various measures to prevent and control the terrible discomfort of PMS, so it is in their power to prevent the symptoms of this disorder overshadow his life.