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PMS-ing -- Give Me a Break!

By EmpowHER June 19, 2012 - 1:37pm
PMS related image

A break is what many of us wish we had during our “special” time. Especially when your cramps are extreme and painful, your belly has bloated five inches and you’re mad at the world but can’t figure out why.

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, causes a variety of symptoms that are linked to the menstrual cycle. It can be sneaky because symptoms may begin one to two weeks before menstrual bleeding occurs. Marking off the start day of your period on a calendar can be very handy and help you keep track of when your symptoms begin.

Researchers feel that a number of reasons may actually cause PMS. The number one reason is the change in hormones. But then, a low level of vitamins and minerals and/or eating large amounts of certain foods (salty foods -- which make you bloated, or alcohol or caffeine -- which may affect your mood) have been pointed out as the possible culprits as well.

Researchers believe that a number of factors cause PMS. The number one cause is a change in hormones. Low levels of vitamins and minerals as well as eating specific foods such as salty foods which cause bloating and alcohol or caffeine which affect mood also can be culprits of PMS.

It is important to realize that women experience different symptoms during PMS. Symptoms may include:

acne
tender or swollen breasts
fatigue
sleep problems
bloating, stomachache, constipation or diarrhea
backache or headache
changes in appetite or food cravings
muscle or joint point
trouble concentrating or memory issues
mood swings such as tension, crying spells or irritability
depression or anxiety.

Is there a cure for PMS?

The same treatment does not work for all women experiencing PMS. Treatment may involve a trial and error process that includes lifestyle changes, different medications or alternative therapies. Some lifestyle changes may include exercising more, eating healthier, eating less salty and sugary foods, eating less alcohol and caffeine, sleeping at least eight hours each night, reducing stress and quitting smoking.

Dr. Susan Haas, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University, explained the symptom of intense cramps in an article on Huffingtonpost.com.

"Your uterus is a muscle, and it squeezes really hard. Sometimes it can squeeze so hard it blocks the arteries coming into it. Just like in a heart attack, when the arteries are blocked, it causes pain," Haas said.

When you feel a cramp first developing, “load up with a double dose (of naproxen, aspirin or ibuprofen) and keep the blood level up,” Haas said. Taking this will give you an hour or two before the cramp occurs. When your menstrual cycle begins, take 800 mg every six hours, then drop the dosage to 600 mg every six hours. Be sure to check with your doctor and discuss any healthy risks before taking the medication.

For severe bleeding, it is best to talk to your doctor to see what type of option is best for you. For instance, for women not wanting any more children, removing the uterine lining (NovaSure) may be your best option. But, for others, there are a number of types of birth control that can control or stop bleeding all together.

If you experience excessive bleeding, talk to your doctor about the best form of treatment. For example, removing the uterine lining through NovaSure may be the best option for women who no longer want children. However, a variety of birth controls that limit or stop bleeding are available for other women.

Resources:

PMS Relief: 5 Tips to Feel Better. Huffingtonpost.com. Web. 25 August 2011.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/pms-relief_n_818769.html

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Fact Sheet. Womenshealth.gov. Web. 25 August 2011.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pre...

Dita Faulkner writes an excellent blog for women. Feel free to check it out at: http://redtoenails.wordpress.com/

Reviewed August 29, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Jody Smith

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