Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome describes a complex of complaints that is among the most common gynecological conditions. Symptoms include pain, headaches, tender or swollen breasts and abdomen, fatigue, sleep disturbances, tiredness up to exhaustion, edema, mood swings, irritability, tension, depression, hypersensitivity and food cravings. It is estimated that about 70-75 percent of all women suffer – at least occasionally – from mild, moderate or severe forms of PMS. For a long time, PMS was dismissed as a purely psychological problem. Women suffer from these symptoms, which occur in the second half of the cycle, 14-10 days before the start of the period, and then disappear again 1-2 days after it begins. For some women, the complaints are so severe that they considerably impair everyday life and place a heavy strain on relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Women over 30 are most commonly affected, and the exact trigger is still unknown today. It is assumed that the change in sex hormones also causes changes in other hormones and in neurotransmitters, since the complaints disappear during pregnancy and menopause. Fluctuations in serotonin  are also considered a possible cause. When the serotonin level is too low, tiredness, food cravings and sleep disturbances occur. PMS is probably favored by several factors, such as a diet with too much sugar, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, which make the body acidic, as well as a lack of exercise, too little sleep and water, and low levels of micronutrients, especially calcium, magnesium, vitamin B3 and vitamin E. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, drinking enough water and exercise in the fresh air are important. In naturopathy, the body's exposure to pollutants is also taken into account.

Physical & Psychological Symptoms of PMS

The physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include:

• Water retention
• Painful swelling of the breasts
• General pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Lower abdominal pain
• Skin problems such as acne
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in appetite, especially food cravings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest
• Lack of drive