Just found some info, thought you might like to read.I found it on
www.goodtoknow.co.uk/health/127691/Premenstrual-syndromeTense, irritable, anxious, tired, emotional and angry? You probably recognise some, or all, of these symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or pre-menstrual tension (PMT). Many women, although not all, experience PMS. It's not a hormone imbalance but is probably triggered when you ovulate, normally about two weeks before your period. You may have physical changes such as swollen breasts, bloating and headaches too. One in 20 women feel their PMS interferes with everyday life, but vitamin B6, evening primrose oil and agnus castus supplements can help. Anti-depressants can benefit severe sufferers.
What are the symptoms of PMS?Premenstrual syndrome can cause various symptoms before periods. In some women, the symptoms can badly affect quality of life before periods. There are various treatment options which are discussed below.
What is the premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition in women where certain symptoms occur each month
Many different symptoms have been reported. The most common are listed below. You may have just one or two symptoms, or have several.
Psychological (mental) symptoms include: tension, irritability, tiredness, feelings of aggression or anger, low mood, anxiety, loss of confidence, feeling emotional. You may have a change in your sleep pattern, sexual feelings, and appetite. Relationships may become strained because of these symptoms.
Physical symptoms include: breast swelling and/or pain, abdominal bloating, swelling of the feet or hands, weight gain, an increase in headaches. If you have epilepsy, asthma, migraine or cold sores, you may find that these conditions become worse before a period.
Who gets PMS?Most women can tell that a period is due by the way they feel both physically and mentally. For most, the symptoms are mild and do not cause too much bother.
About 1 in 20 women have 'true' PMS. This is where the symptoms become bad enough to disrupt your normal functioning and quality of life. Day-to-day life and work performance can be affected. It may cause tension with family and friends.
A small number of women have severe symptoms before a period such as very low mood or behaviour disturbance. This severe form of PMS is sometimes called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How is PMS diagnosed?
Sometimes it is difficult to tell if your symptoms are due to PMS, or if they are due to other conditions such as anxiety or depression. It is often difficult to remember when symptoms occur. A doctor may ask you to keep a diary of symptoms over a couple of months or so. It is when the symptoms occur, not just their nature or type, that indicates PMS. So:
Symptoms start sometime after ovulation which occurs about two weeks before the start of a period. You may have symptoms for just a few days before a period. However, some women have symptoms for the whole two weeks or so leading up to a period. Typically, symptoms gradually get worse as the period approaches.
Symptoms go within a few days after a period starts.
Symptoms that occur all the time are not due to PMS.
What are the treatment options for PMS?Various treatments have been advocated for PMS. The treatment of PMS is a changing area as research continues to clarify which treatments actually work, and to try and find better treatments. The following gives a brief description of the main current treatment options.
Not treating is an option
Understanding the problem, anticipating symptoms, and planning a coping strategy is all that is required for many women. Some women find the self help measures listed above, and such things as avoiding stress, or doing relaxation exercises prior to a period can help a lot.
Treatments that you can buy without needing a prescription
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). You can buy vitamin B6 from pharmacies. It has has been used for PMS for several years. This vitamin is part of a normal diet, but extra amounts are thought to help with PMS. However, there is only limited research evidence that it works. Some research studies have failed to show any benefit, and some have shown a mild benefit. So, it is worth a try. You can take the vitamin tablets either in the two weeks before periods, or every day. But note: do not take more than the recommended dose (and definitely no more than 100 mg daily) as too much vitamin B6 can be harmful.?
Agnus castus fruit extract. You can buy this at health food shops and pharmacies. In one research study, one tablet of agnus castus extract was taken by a group of women with PMS every day for three menstrual cycles. Over half of the women reported a 50% or greater improvement in their symptoms. It is not clear how it works, but it contains substances that may affect certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Side effects reported were few and mild. So, this may be worth a try.
If not type PMT into the search engine and loads of stuff comes up. Just thought it might help and explain things a bit.
Jay xx