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Bloating, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness, and irritability, does
this sound familiar? Well you are not alone for studies shows that about 95% of women experience some of over 150 symptoms associated to PMS.
The degree of severity varies, some women felt only minor discomfort while for others the symptoms are unbearable enough to interfere with their
lives. The symptoms may differ from one person to another and may change from cycle to cycle.
Normally, the psychological symptoms of PMS include mood changes like crying spells, depression, anxiety, anger, sadness or irritability.
Psychological symptoms may also include some changes in mental functioning
such as difficulty in concentrating or remembering as well as changes in sex drive.
On the other hand, a wide range of physical symptoms are associated with PMS. Some of the most commonly observed physical symptoms would
include fatigue, insomnia, headache, acne, cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, joint or muscle pain. Occasionally, some women experience upset
stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Women with PMS also tend to give in to
their food cravings especially for carbohydrates, chocolate or other sweets.
Although real test to diagnose PMS has not yet been created, doctors may conduct tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar
symptoms. When the symptoms assent with the monthly cycle and the woman’s
tests are negative for other conditions, then PMS is generally determined to be the cause of her symptoms.
There are several conditions to rule out when considering PMS. That includes anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism,
perimenopause, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and autoimmune disorders.
On the other hand, some of the psychological conditions that should be ruled out include eating disorders, alcohol abuse, personality
disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. Oral contraceptive side effects should
also be ruled out when considering PMS. To further confirm doctor’s diagnosis, keeping a monthly diary of symptoms would also be helpful.
PMS is still considered as a largely mysterious phenomenon by the medical community and had been a subject for research and some ongoing
studies. Since there has been no single cause of PMS identified or accepted
by the medical community, it is likely that PMS is due to a variety of factors, as well as because of genetics, environment and lifestyle
factors like nutrition and stress.
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