In case you are wondering what is PMS, you should know that it is a group of emotional and physical symptoms that usually appear during the late luteal part of the menstrual cycle. In order to diagnose PMS, there is need for the symptoms to constantly appear during the last week before the period.
Pre-menstrual syndrome diagnostic criteria
As it has been mentioned before, in order to be diagnosed with the condition, you must have at least one physical and emotional symptom during the last five days before the onset of your menstrual period.
Physical symptoms
When thinking about premenstrual syndrome, there are numerous physical symptoms that you could experience, but the most common ones include tender or sore breasts, abdominal bloating, headache, or the swelling of the extremities.
Mental symptoms
When thinking about what is PMS also consider the mental symptoms, including fatigue, that is the most common one, irritability, mood swings or angry outbursts, social withdrawal and confusion.
These symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome should disappear until the 4th day of your cycle and not appear again until the 14th day. Also we have to add that these symptoms shouldn’t be the result of other treatments, alcohol or drug use, or hormone ingestion.
Other symptoms
In case you are asking what is PMS, these aren’t really considered true symptoms, but they help determine the diagnosis of PMS. So the patient in question should have relationship or marriage problems that are confirmed by the partner or problems with parenting.
Some other issues that women with premenstrual syndrome have to face include decreased school or work performance, legal issues, contemplating suicide or asking for medical attention regarding the symptoms.
What could you do?
Now that you know what the condition refers to, you should go on taking some measures to make your quality of life better. One of the things you could do is to get a more supportive bra that would support your sore or tender breasts.
The lifestyle that you have also has a word to say regarding the premenstrual syndrome. To treat the symptoms you should have a lot of rest and make sure that your diet is balanced.
Regarding your diet, you should make sure that you don’t have sugar, salt, alcohol or caffeine. This way you can avoid swelling and bloating and you could also make the tender points better.
In case you are asking what is PMS, you should know that the medication you could take to make the symptoms better include Tylenol. Keep in mind not to take aspirin or aspirin products when you have your period, because these could make the bleeding even heavier.
Exercising could also help with the symptoms. While you exercise, endorphins are released, which are the body’s natural pain killers and they will improve your mood. The people around you might be worried, and so you should tell them what’s going on and that it’s not their fault and that you love them.
Now you know what is PMS so next time you experience it don’t be afraid to smile and think positively about it. This will help feel better.
