SMS HOLISTIC CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE
14 Glen Cove Road
Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 11577
523 Townline Road
Hauppauge, N.Y. 111788

(516) 484-0776
SMS Holistic Chiropractic Office

PMS: The Latest Insights on its Causes and
How to Reduce Symptoms

© 2017 Health Realizations, Inc. Update


To the medical community, PMS (or premenstrual syndrome) is still a largely mysterious phenomenon that affects women during the one or two weeks before menstruation.

But for the women who face PMS each month (estimates of exactly how many menstruating women get PMS vary widely and go as high as 80 percent, but the American College of Obstetricians says it's up to 40 percent), the physical, emotional and psychological symptoms are all too familiar.

Fatigue and irritability are two of the most common symptoms reported by women with PMS.

Each woman's symptoms vary, and they vary for each woman from month to month, but can include any of 180 symptoms that have been identified to date including some of the common ones below:

Some Common PMS Symptoms

  • Breast swelling and tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Food cravings (especially for sweet and salty foods) and changes in appetite
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Tension, irritability or mood swings
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Backache
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Acne breakouts
  • Aggressiveness
  • Changes in libido
  • Uterine cramps
  • Weight gain
  • Fluid retention
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Forgetfullness

What Causes PMS?

There has been no single cause of PMS identified or accepted by the medical community. But because the changes that happen during PMS coincide with changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, the most widespread theory about PMS is that it's related to changes in female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone (though how it's related isn't clear).

Other theories have been suggested including that PMS could:

  • Be related to hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels) or hypothyroidism (abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones).

  • Be related to pituitary hormones, prostaglandins and neurotransmitters in the brain.

  • Be due to a diet lacking in B vitamins, calcium or magnesium.

If there were to be a consensus among experts, however, it's likely to be that PMS is due to a variety of factors, including the physiological ones listed above, but also because of genetics, environment and lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress.

What About PMDD?

There's a lot of controversy about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and whether it's a real "disorder." PMDD includes all of the symptoms of PMS but to the extreme-where a woman who has PMS may feel sad, a woman with PMDD may feel suicidal. It's said to affect anywhere from 3 percent to 9 percent of women.

"It's a real biological condition for which women seek treatment--and for which effective treatment is available," says Jean Endicott, PhD, director of the premenstrual evaluation unit at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.

However, for each expert who believes in PMDD, there's another who says it isn't real, and that it could drive women to take a medication when what they really need is to get at the underlying issues.

As Joan Chrisler, PhD, a psychology professor at Connecticut College and president of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, said, "We're conditioned to want a pill. Instead of something you might need more, like a nap or a divorce, or the ERA."

And according to Paula Caplan, PhD, author of "They Say You're Crazy," "There is no evidence [that PMDD exists], though people have to find such evidence ... It is really appalling that using PMDD for women who want recognition for discomfort is a very clear message that goes something like: 'OK, OK, we'll believe you are feeling bad if we get to call you mentally ill for feeling bad.'"

Seven Ways to Help Reduce PMS Symptoms

Though PMDD symptoms may be so severe as to require medical or psychological help, the symptoms of PMS can usually be dealt with on your own. Here's what can help:

  • Exercise: According to Carol Watkins, MD, "Women who exercise regularly have fewer PMS symptoms." Regular exercise is typically considered to be at least three to five times a week.

  • Eat Better: Nutrient deficiencies and poor nutrition could make PMS symptoms worse. The top dietary culprits to avoid during PMS include:

    • Salt

    • Sugar

    • Caffeine

    • Alcohol

  • But at the same time you're avoiding the "bad" foods, it's important to get plenty of the "good" vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

    Most women should consider a high-quality supplement that provide endocrine support for balancing female hormones.

  • Get plenty of sleep.

  • Manage stress in your life. How you choose to manage stress is up to you-you may feel better from taking some time alone with your journal or going for a long walk outside. Others may prefer to call a close friend or listen to music.

  • Another exceptional way to relieve stress that many are not aware of? Stretching!

  • Don't smoke.


Sources

WomensHealth.gov Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet

MedicineNet.com Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

MayoClinic.com (PMS): Symptoms

WebMD

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Address : 14 Glen Cove Road
Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 11577

523 Townline Road
Hauppauge, N.Y. 111788

Phone : (516) 484-0776
Fax : 516-484-0795
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The information and statements contained in this eMagazine article by Health Realizations or any added comments herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents of this eMagazine article or additional comments are for informational purposes only are is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your reliance on any information provided by Health Realizations, its affiliates, content providers, member physicians or employees or comment contributors is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice or treatment, because of information contained in a Health Realizations eMagazine. Health Realizations does not, and cannot, recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, procedures, tests, physicians or other information that may be mentioned in a Health Realizations eMagazine.

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