Friday, October 05, 2007
PMS/PMDD
Men, read and you may understand your partner better! Following are some explanations taken from different sources.
The term, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) covers a group of symptoms that can affect a woman, emotionally and physically. The most common PMS are headache, bloating, back pain, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, food cravings, acne and sore breasts.
While not all women have PMS, it’s estimated that 70% to 90% of women who menstruate experience PMS. And another 3% to 8% have emotional symptoms severe enough to disrupt their lives, a condition known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD suffer from many of the physical symptoms of PMS, but more severely. In addition, they experience debilitating emotional symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, isolation and extreme mood swings.
The PMDD symptoms are sometimes serious enough to interfere with relationships, hamper a person's ability to function at work/school, or even keep you from performing daily tasks. Diagnostic Criteria for PMDD - 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present:
The term, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) covers a group of symptoms that can affect a woman, emotionally and physically. The most common PMS are headache, bloating, back pain, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, food cravings, acne and sore breasts.
While not all women have PMS, it’s estimated that 70% to 90% of women who menstruate experience PMS. And another 3% to 8% have emotional symptoms severe enough to disrupt their lives, a condition known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD suffer from many of the physical symptoms of PMS, but more severely. In addition, they experience debilitating emotional symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, isolation and extreme mood swings.
The PMDD symptoms are sometimes serious enough to interfere with relationships, hamper a person's ability to function at work/school, or even keep you from performing daily tasks. Diagnostic Criteria for PMDD - 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present:
- Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
- Feeling of tension or anxiety (Panic attacks etc)
- Mood swings marked by periods of teariness
- Persistent irritability or anger that affects other people
- Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue or low energy
- Food cravings or bingeing
- Sleep disturbances
- Feeling out of control
- Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint/muscle pain
Many things have been tried to ease the symptoms of PMS. No treatment works for every woman, so we may need to try different ones to see what works. Below are some lifestyle changes that may help ease symptoms.
- Take a multivitamin every day that includes 400 mg of folic acid. A calcium supplement with vitamin D can help keep bones strong and may help ease some PMS symptoms
- Do a moderate exercise of 30 mins for 3-5 times a week. Steady exercising causes a release of feel-good endorphins which helps alter the mood
- Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid salt, sugary foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially when you are having PMS
- Get enough sleep. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Talk to your friends, exercise, or write in a journal.
If the lifestyle changes does not help, seek medical advice!
Labels: Health
Penseur 4:02 pm