Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used to describe the periodic recurrence of symptoms that begin a few days before menstruation, vary in severity and impact, and disappear shortly thereafter. It affects 30-40% of women of reproductive age and, although it can be quite uncomfortable on rare occasions, it is usually tolerable. We explain how to detect it and what you can do now to reduce its influence on your life.
What are the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
There are more than 150 symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome; the following are some of the most frequent:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain (bloating, discomfort, twinges, gas, etc.).
- Headaches (moderate, severe, migraine with aura, etc.).
- Chest pain (tension, swelling, sensitivity to touch, pain, etc.).
- Behavioral disturbances (sadness, clumsiness, sensitivity to environmental factors, etc.).
Observation is the key to determining whether or not you have premenstrual syndrome: do the symptoms appear 7 to 10 days before your period? During the course of the cycle, do you experience these symptoms for at least a week? Do the symptoms reappear before each menses as the months go by? If so, you can say that your premenstrual syndrome includes these symptoms.
How can I manage premenstrual symptoms?
For one thing, there are over-the-counter remedies that can help you treat specific symptoms, such as ibuprofen for pain, a particular remedy for migraine, simethicone for flatulence, etc. There are also natural remedies to control symptoms; however, not everything is oral. According to the Holief's site, frequent exercise, limiting coffee consumption or other relaxing methods have been found to better control symptoms.
What organic remedies are effective for PMS?
The following natural remedies have been researched for their ability to reduce PMS:
- Saffron (Crocus sativus): studies have indicated that taking saffron extract every day, rather than using it as a seasoning, can reduce PMS symptoms even during the first cycle of use.
- Chasteberry (Vitex agno-casto): It has been shown to be effective in reducing PMS symptoms and regulating irregular cycles. There are now pms gummies available to help alleviate these symptoms.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Some chamomile extracts, as well as mefenamic acid, have been shown to reduce PMS symptoms.
