I once had a chat with a female colleague who chimed that her husband would generally avoid her once it is a week to her period. The hubby she said had learnt the hard way that just about this time, she becomes very irritable and finds every discussion a basis for confrontation. She said she felt the difference too.
About a week to her period, she gets easily tired, feels bloated, eats more (especially certain foods). She also finds it hard to focus and cries for no reason. Interestingly, all these resolves shortly after she starts her monthly period. I told her she had PMS, premenstrual menstrual syndrome.
Other symptoms/signs associated with PMS include
Increased or reduced sleep, feeling of weight increase, headaches, migraines, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, muscle and joint pain, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate well, and a change in libido.
PMS is very common among women and is perhaps one of the reasons men say they find it difficult to understand their women.
It occurs after ovulation and in most, it starts about 10 days or less before their menses occur. PMS occurs in about 20 to 50 percent of women in reproductive age. A more severe form of PMS called the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) occurs in a smaller percentage of women.
Women with PMDD are very depressed during this period and may even consider suicide.
What causes PMS
Hormonal fluctuations and nutritional deficiencies are largely responsible for causing PMS.
It may also run in families.
Treatment modalities
Knowledge
Knowing why you feel so miserable and irritable at certain periods of your menstrual cycle is empowering. Now you know what is going on and can prepare mentally for it. You can tell your hubby to be more understanding during this period and shift important work meetings away from this period.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine as it is also known has been effective in treating many symptoms of PMS. The usual dose is 50mg once daily.
Diuretics
For women who get swollen legs during this period, diuretics like spironolactone may be needed. You would need to see your doctor because this drug is potassium sparing so you will need to have your potassium levels checked.
Hormonal Therapy
The use of birth control pills eliminates the hormonal fluctuations associated with PMS. These oral contraceptive pills flatten out hormonal levels. It also helps with the depressive symptoms associated with PMS.
Exercise
Regular exercises release the amount of endorphins in your body and these improve your feeling of well-being.
Adequate Sleep Time
Sleeping for about eight hours a day helps your brain cells detox. It reduces irritability and improves your mental performance.
Food
Eat food with fibers and protein. Complex carbohydrates diets are also good.
Avoid food high in fats and those rich in salts as well as simple sugars.
Stay away from coffee/caffeine and alcohol these are likely to make you feel worse.
Supplements
Simple low levels of calcium and magnesium have been implicated in PMS, you should take Calcium (1000mg/day), magnesium (360mg/day) and Vitamin B6 (50 mg/day).
Yoga
Yoga and other relaxation techniques have also been known to help.
Drugs
Antidepressants like fluoxetine have been used successfully in many patients with PMS. You need to see a doctor for that prescription.
Lesson of the day
Know yourself and help your loved ones know you. The knowledge of PMS as it pertains to you can help your marriage and work tremendously.
You might not be the ‘impossible woman’ your partner called you, maybe you are just the ‘woman with PMS’.
