PMS is short for Premenstrual Syndrome? Premenstrual syndrome refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the one or two weeks before the beginning of menstruation, or a woman’s monthly period. PMS symptoms may last a few days after menstrual bleeding starts.

PMS is diagnosed when her premenstrual symptoms:

- cause significant discomfort,

- interfere with her daily life,

- occur primarily during the last two weeks of her menstrual cycle, and

- cannot be attributed to other conditions.

Some studies suggest that around 80% of menstruating women have some premenstrual symptoms. About half of those women have PMS. About 10% of women have what is called PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Research has not yet been able to determine the definitive causes of PMS. However, many experts suspect that women are sensitive to the hormonal changes that happen during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone cause changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as Seratonin, Endorphins, and Norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are known to affect a variety of things, including depression, food cravings, pain and pleasure, heart rate, blood pressure and mood.

Other researchers think that certain imbalances in calcium and magnesium levels may trigger PMS symptoms. These are two minerals that affect nerve cell communication and blood vessel opening and closing.

Some researchers believe that the answer has to do with heredity. Women whose mothers and sisters have PMS are more likely to have it themselves, although studies have yet to prove the genetic link.

No. PMS is not caused by stress. Women may experience more stress prior to menstruation, and they may handle stress differently during this time, but it is not the cause of PMS. Excessive stress can, however, make PMS symptoms worse.

Before attributing symptoms to PMS, a woman should rule out a variety of other causes, such as:

- Anemia

- Eating disorders

- Diabetes

- Alcohol abuse

- Hypothyroidism

- Oral contraceptive side effects

- Perimenopause

- Dysmenorrhea

- Personality disorders

- Chronic fatigue syndrome

- Endometriosis

- Autoimmune disorders.

Posted in Health and Well-Being

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