Pre Menstration [Menstruation] Period Symptoms
Pre period symptoms otherwise known as premenstrual syndrome are the symptoms that a woman may experience one or two weeks before her period begins. Pre period symptoms are more common in the women of age group 30 to 40. About 80 percent of the women experience mild or severe pre period symptoms before each period. Pre period symptoms usually disappear with the occurrence of period.
Pre period symptoms vary from woman to woman, as all women are not the same. Some women may experience painful pre Menstration [Menstruation] period symptoms while others may experience mild pre period symptoms. Some of the pre period symptoms look similar to pregnancy symptoms. So don't get confused between the two. Pre period symptoms that women can experience may include any of the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Backache
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in concentration
- Dizziness
- Food cravings
- Fluid retention
- Menstrual Headaches
- Indigestion
- Irritability
- Loss of sex drive
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
Every month an egg is released from a woman's ovary into the uterus. Along with this the lining of uterus also thickens to receive and nourish the egg in case if pregnancy occurs. In case the egg doesn't get fertilized, uterus lining is shed and the egg comes out in a form of menstrual period. During this time, a hormone called prostaglandins causes the muscles of uterus to contract for a long time, which results in stomach cramps.
A hormone called estrogen holds water and fluids in the body. Prior to menstration, estrogen level drops resulting in pre period symptoms like bloating and fluid retention. Sometimes it even results in salt retention. Decrease in levels of serototin may cause pre period symptoms like anxiety.
These were some of the negative pre period symptoms. Some women may experience positive pre period symptoms like increased energy, relief, increased sex drive and euphoria. Pre period symptoms often disappear or decrease once the bleeding starts.
Causes of Pre Period Symptoms
Pre period symptoms are caused due the hormonal changes that take place prior to menstration [menstruation]. Estrogen level which increases around the time of ovulation suddenly decrease prior to menstration. A sudden decrease in the levels of progesterone and estrogen may be responsible for causing pre period symptoms. Prostaglandins and some neurochemicals that play an important role during menstrual cycle are also responsible for causing pre period symptoms. Sometimes even a poor diet (lack of nutrients) may be responsible for causing pre period symptoms.
Pre Period Symptoms Treatment
As such there is no treatment for pre period symptoms. Pre period symptoms can't be cured completely but can be reduced. There are various ways with which we can ease pre period symptoms. A healthy diet, regular exercise and medications may help you to reduce some of the pre period symptoms.
A healthy diet means a diet containing fibers, proteins and carbohydrates like cereals and whole grains. Instead of taking 3 big meals take 5-6 small meals. Avoid consumption of sugar and alcohol. Do exercises regularly. It not only keeps you fit but also improves blood circulation.
Medications like antidepressants may help you in reducing anxiety, depression and irritability. Diuretics may help in easing the pre period symptoms like fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness and abdominal pain. Supplements like vitamin b6, vitamin E, minerals, calcium and magnesium also helps in relieving pre period symptoms. Calcium supplements helps in easing the pre period symptoms like stomach cramps, backache and fluid retention.
But remember to consult your health care provider before taking any medications. Some doctors may even prescribe birth control pills in order to maintain your hormone levels.