GOOD MORNING THIS MORNING!

Have you ever wondered why you had a dull mood before your period? The change in the mood may be so intense that it may affect your social, emotional lives.
If you ever had, you are not alone.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
This is a combination of various physical and emotional symptoms that occur in women a week or two before menstruation. It begins at or after ovulation and continues until the onset of menstruation.

For some people, PMS is just a monthly bother. For others, it may be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. PMS goes away as soon as the period stops, such as in pregnancy or menopause.

According to healthline , its symptoms affect up to 85 percent of menstruating women. It must impair some aspect of your life for your doctor to diagnose you.

What cause PMS?
The exact cause is not known. However, researchers believe that it's related to a change in both sex hormone and serotonin ( a chemical in the brain that affects moods, emotions, and thoughts) levels at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
An increase in the hormones can result in mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.
Similarly, deficiencies of vitamin E, Pyridoxine, magnesium have been suggested.

Risk factors
° History of depression/mood disorders
° Family history of PMS
° Family history of depression
° Domestic violence
° Substance abuse
° Physical abuse
° Emotional trauma
° Dysmenorrhea

What are the symptoms?
Emotional symptoms include;
• Irritability
• Tension
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Sadness

Physical symptoms include;
• Breast tenderness
• Fluid retention
• Headache
• Backache
• Lower abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal bloating

How to ease the symptoms
PMS can't be cured, but you can engage in some steps to ease the symptoms.
√ Taking supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin B6, Calcium and magnesium to reduce cramps and mood swing.
√ Relaxation techniques to relieve anxiety and tension.
√ Eating balanced diet
√ Exercising to decrease abdominal bloating
√ Anti diuretic, such as frusemide, to take care of the fluid retention
√ Pain medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to alleviate muscle aches, headaches and cramps.

When to see your doctor
Consult your doctor if physical pain, mood swings persist to the extent that it alters your daily activity.

Obembe S.D
http://www.universalnursetips.com/2017/08/premenstrual-syndrome-what-is-it.html

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