Every month has 30 days, and if we go by the odds, some days are good, bad, or just period days. But there are some special days in a women’s monthly calendar where she experiences emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. These changes happen mainly before her menses, that is, between day 5 to day 11. These days vary from woman to woman and are commonly known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Mood swings are one of the most common symptoms of PMS and you are not alone. The reason for these symptoms is that a lot of hormone fluctuations happen during your menstrual cycle. For example, when you are ovulating, it causes estrogen and progesterone levels in your body to change. And sadly, these two are responsible for all the emotional havoc like sudden sadness, irritability, or an unusual craving for your favorite ice cream!

Some women experience these symptoms in intensity due to external factors like stress at work, history of depression, or trauma. Keep a regular track of these symptoms, especially during your menses, as pre-knowledge that these mood swings relate to your monthly cycle can help you make conscious efforts towards reducing them.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of PMS?

Pimples or acne on cheeks, jawline, and neck

You might see an increase in pimples or acne, especially around the cheek, jawline neck area. These breakouts are due to a drop in hormone levels, which sets off the glands to secrete sebum, causing breakouts. You can identify them as red bumps. Avoid squeezing them on days you feel the most irritable.

Back pain or abdominal bloating

PMS can cause pain in the lower back, but you might want to see your doctor if the pain is severe. You may feel tightness or swelling around the stomach, which can cause pain around your lower abdomen region. Regular exercise or an active lifestyle can reduce these symptoms.

Anxiety, stress, and loss of appetite

The imbalance of the high and low levels of estrogen and progesterone can either trigger impulsive eating or no appetite. These hormones can put you through a see-saw ride, causing anxiety and stress in waves. Making a few easy lifestyle changes can help you deal with these.

Tender or swollen breasts

The production of estrogen is at its peak right before your periods. This can instigate a hormonal shift, and you can feel your breasts being tender or more sensitive to touch than usual. Sometimes you might experience pain around the chest area but do not panic until it messes with your daily chores.

These symptoms generally go away as you begin your menstrual cycle. But while the PMS symptoms are sharing your headspace, you can use these tips to deal with them.

 

How To Deal With PMS Symptoms?

Take good care of yourself.

You can watch movies or do things you like to distract or get your mind off that aching back. Get a day off work if required. Take a hot shower bath. Keeping a heating pad on lower abdominal regions while watching your favorite series can improve your mood 2x times faster.

Home remedies are always a savior

Carom seeds taken with boiling water can ease your muscles and nerves, providing relief for the long term. You can also include chamomile tea in your evening routine, which can help you reduce cramps during periods over time.

Exercise or Yoga

Exercise and Yoga have been proven to be the most effective ways of treating cramps. You can do aerobic exercises on your favorite pop song or 15 minutes of yoga every day and slowly increase it over time. Exercising not only helps in PMS symptoms but also makes you look younger.

Changing your lifestyle

A lot of the problems we face are due to wrong lifestyle adaptability. Making smaller changes to your lifestyle such as eating in small portions, taking calcium-rich food, getting adequate sleep, limiting caffeine in your daily routine can help you in reducing symptoms related to Premenstrual Syndrome.

And lastly, DO NOT FORGET to have a bottle of water at your side at all times. Being hydrated at all times helps with pimples and acne, and we cannot recommend it enough. You don’t want to get out of that blanket while you are PMSing, do you?

Remember, there is still a lot of stigma in society, related to Premenstrual Syndrome and the menstrual cycle. , You might get stares from people who haven’t ever experienced these changes in the first place. This is experienced by every woman, every second, every hour of the day, and we are in this together.

Premenstrual Syndrome FAQ

Do all women suffer from PMS?

Every person who experiences menstruation can suffer from PMS. But not everyone has the same symptoms, and not everyone suffers from PMS.

When should I visit a doctor for PMS?

When your PMS symptoms significantly worsen, it can lead to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and maybe a good time to consult your doctor.