Premenstrual syndrome is a common condition that occurs in almost every woman who is in menstrual cycle. This syndrome is the collection of emotional, physical as well as psychological process that occurs shortly after the ovulation and ending with the onset of menstruation. Menstruation cycle can cause mood disturbances apart from changes in physical features like tenderness of breast, bloating sensation, anger and depression. It is believed to occur due to change in hormones and secretion of chemicals in the brain.
Healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and emotional support from the family is enough to treat premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is severe form of this syndrome is marked by severe symptoms affecting the daily activities and function. It is a very rare occurrence.
Symptoms :
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized with symptoms like change in mood/behavior accompanied with anger and irritability. It can cause physical changes like tender breasts, fatigue, small weight gain, disturbance of sleep and cravings for food. Most of the women would develop acne on their face during each menstrual cycle. Some women would become highly sensitive during this phase added with tension and anxiety. They would cry and become depressed for unexplained reason. It can also cause difficulty in concentrating and sudden outburst of anger.
The above symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the secretion of sex hormones and neurochemical interaction in the brain. Nine out of every ten women experiences premenstrual syndrome. It is quite common for women of 40-50 years. But clinically measurable significant changes and symptoms can occur in 30-40% of women. Overall changes occurring in women before the onset of monthly period are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome.