PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Does premenstrual syndrome really exist? Is it real? Some people claim that it's not real, suggesting women make it up as an excuse for a bad mood. This is a myth; premenstrual syndrome does exist.

However, not every woman with a cycle experiences PMS. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to emotional and physical symptoms in women that regularly occur one to two weeks before each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve once menstruation begins. The most common symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, mood swings, depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability.

Diagnostic Criteria for PMS

• Symptoms are present 5 days before the period starts and occur for at least three menstrual cycles.
• Symptoms end within 4 days of when the period starts.
• Symptoms interfere with normal day-to-day activities.

Causes of PMS

The causes of PMS are not entirely clear, but some contributing factors include:

• Changes in hormone levels
• Fluctuations of serotonin levels in the brain
• Depression
• Anxiety
• A family history of PMS
• A family history of bipolar disorder or depression

Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Eating foods high in fat, sugar, and salt
• Lack of physical activity
• Lack of sleep

Signs and Symptoms

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Anger and irritability
• Changes in appetite, including increased appetite
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Weakness
• A sad mood with frequent crying
• Changes in mood

Physical Symptoms

• Sore breasts
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Acne
• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Back and muscle pain
• Headaches
• Photophobia

Homoeopathic Aspect

Homoeopathy has a good scope in treating premenstrual syndrome. The medicines are made from natural substances, have no side effects, and treat patients constitutionally, helping to alleviate all PMS symptoms while improving general health.

Homoeopathic Remedies for PMS

• Pulsatilla: Recommended for women who weep a lot before menses, feeling better with sympathy or consolation. Menses may be delayed or suppressed.
• Ignatia: Suitable for women experiencing sadness before menses, in a state of depression, who dislike sympathy.
• Sepia: Useful for extreme irritability and indifference before menses, often accompanied by a severe bearing down sensation.
• Natrum Mur: Given when women feel depressed and lonely before menses, preferring to cry alone and disliking sympathy.
• Chamomilla: For extreme anger, irritability, and heightened sensitivity to pain with emotional ups and downs.

Other Remedies Include:

• Lachesis
• Calcarea Carb
• Veratrum Album
• Bovista
• Caulophyllum
• Actea Racemosa