Premenstrual syndrome or PMS are symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. It is extremely common for women to have at least some symptoms of PMS, generally 5-11 days prior to their menses, which eventually go away after their periods start. This is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle.

Signs and Symptoms of PMS:

The list of potential signs and symptoms for premenstrual syndrome is long, but most common symptoms women experience are:

• Tension or anxiety
• Depression or mood swings and irritability or anger
• Loss of appetite changes or sudden food cravings
• Insomnia
• Headache and fatigue
• Sudden weight gain caused by fluid retention
• Bloated abdomen
• Tenderness of breasts
• Acne
• Constipation or diarrhea

Reasons of PMS:

The cause behind PMS is unknown but scientific studies believe that it could be related to the hormonal changes in both sex hormone and serotonin levels that cause the trigger of emotional and behavioral mood swings. Estrogen and progesterone are the two sex hormones in female, increase in their levels during these times can cause mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Some risk factors for PMS could be:

• An individual or family history of PMS, depression or mood disorders
• Domestic violence
• Substance abuse
• Physical and emotional trauma

There isn’t any particular treatment for PMS that would work for every woman pain relievers such as ibuprofen, meftalspas, aspirin or naproxen may help ease cramps, headaches, backaches and breast tenderness. To prevent the pain of cramps it is important to stay fit, exercise, and get enough sleep. Excessive salt, caffeine, and alcohol should be strictly avoided during this period of time. It is important to divert your attention towards things you like to combat mood swings and depression and stay positive and happy.