Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention. Premenstrual syndrome PMS time
Mood swings, outbursts of anger, tearfulness and irritability - the combination of these feelings clearly indicates premenstrual syndrome. What it is, many of the fair sex know, but they are not able to control their condition. Some girls and women feel noticeably worse, and pain before menstruation is a very real reason to see a doctor.
complex mechanism
Menstruation in women is directly related to procreation. The first day is considered the beginning of the cycle, and each stage is aimed at preparing for conception.
During the menstrual phase, shedding of the uterine mucosa occurs, which is accompanied by bleeding. The first appearance of menstruation occurs on average at 12-14 years of age. Over time, the cycle is established, and its duration is from 21 to 35 days.
The absence of menstruation can signal pregnancy or serious illness. In addition, women's health deserves special attention for various disorders, such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) or increased bleeding.
If we add manifestations of premenstrual syndrome to these problems, then you definitely won’t envy some girls and women.
Story
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a complex set of symptoms that occurs in women on average 1-10 days before menstruation. People have been studying this condition since ancient times. In ancient Rome, for example, doctors associated ailments before menstruation with the place of residence and even with the phases of the moon.
According to official data, Russian scientists Dmitry Ott and Alexander Reprev for the first time conducted scientific research on physiological parameters and the cyclical nature of their fluctuations. Then Robert Frank in 1931 voiced the term “premenstrual tension” in his article, and ten years later, psychosexual disorders during PMS were described by Lewis Gray.
Research and scientific justification allowed the World Health Organization to include premenstrual syndrome in the classification of diseases. What is it, diagnostic methods, causes of appearance, recommendations for alleviating the condition - read about all this in our review.
Causes
There is no consensus on the occurrence of PMS today, but experts still managed to formulate a number of reasons:
hereditary predisposition;
Violation of water-salt metabolism;
Hormonal failures;
Thyroid diseases;
Lack of vitamins (magnesium, zinc, calcium, vitamin B6).
Risk factors for the development of PMS include the presence of depression and stress, living in major cities, late reproductive age, insufficient physical activity and nutritional imbalance.
Some research shows that overweight and smoking affect the likelihood of developing premenstrual syndrome.
Symptoms
There are a huge number of anecdotes and humorous stories about premenstrual syndrome in women. However, the impressive list of symptoms leaves little cause for rejoicing.
Modern medicine distinguishes the following forms of PMS:
- Neuropsychic. This form is characterized by symptoms such as heightened perception of noise, increased fatigue, weakness, sleep disturbance, absent-mindedness, headaches, difficulty speaking, and even fainting. Aggression and irritability often lead to conflicts in the family and at work, as well as to making rash decisions.
- Edema. A weight gain of a few kilograms does not improve mood at all, swelling of the legs and arms appears. Sometimes girls and women experience joint pain and cramps. the whole body seems to be filled with fluid.
- Cephalgic. Throbbing headaches are observed, which are accompanied by nausea or vomiting. However blood pressure remains unchanged. In addition, a third of patients develop pain in the region of the heart, numbness of the hands, excessive sweating and depression.
- Crisis. the beginning of which is an increase in blood pressure. Then there is a rapid heartbeat and fear of death. Such attacks are most often disturbed in the evening and at night, and various stresses, fatigue or infectious diseases aggravate the situation.
Experts also distinguish an atypical form of PMS, among the symptoms of which are allergic reactions, skin rashes, pulling pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, nosebleeds, and fever.
Stages of PMS
In medicine, there is a division of PMS into three stages:
Compensated (symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation, the disease does not develop with age);
Subcompensated (symptoms cease to bother with the end of menstruation, the clinic of premenstrual syndrome worsens over the years);
Decompensated (symptoms appear a few more days after the end of menstruation).
As you may have noticed, PMS in some cases is not at all like a mild ailment. In severe form, this disease can seriously affect the ability to work and well-being. Of course, you should not panic due to increased fatigue or muscle pain. However, if you have more than six symptoms, be sure to make an appointment with a doctor who, with the help of research, can diagnose premenstrual syndrome.
Diagnostics
It is very important to distinguish the real symptoms from the inability to control one's emotions and manifestations of bad manners or bad character. Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by cyclicity. In other words, the same symptoms should disturb a woman with a certain frequency.
Often, premenstrual tension syndrome is confused with other diseases, so contact a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. During the diagnosis, a blood test is mandatory (in different phases of the menstrual cycle). The level of hormones (progesterone, estradiol and prolactin) allows us to draw conclusions about the form of PMS.
Depending on the results of the analysis and complaints of the patient, the attending physician may refer her to other specialists (psychiatrist, endocrinologist, therapist and neuropathologist) or prescribe additional studies (MRI, mammography, EEG, blood pressure control, and others).
How to relieve premenstrual syndrome?
Millions of women are asking this question, knowing full well that living in a bad state of health and mood even for a week is simply unbearable. The most accessible measure is the revision of the diet.
It is believed that the use of complex carbohydrates (cereals and vegetables) makes it easier to experience the condition before menstruation. Some experts also talk about limiting the consumption of sweets and sugar, but this measure has not been fully studied in terms of alleviating PMS symptoms.
It is advisable to control the intake of salt, because the body already has a tendency to edema associated with fluid retention. Salty foods only exacerbate the situation.
And finally, coffee. Studies have shown that women with severe PMS consume much more coffee. Today there is no unambiguous opinion about whether an invigorating drink and premenstrual syndrome are related. We already know what it is and the causes of the latter, but coffee helps or worsens the situation, probably, it is worth deciding on an individual basis.
Lifestyle
Pain before menstruation can make serious adjustments to your plans. However, experts advise not to give up light physical activity. Swimming, walking, yoga, or dancing can help reduce symptoms and definitely improve your mood.
If your chest hurts before your period, then supportive underwear will help to cope with discomfort and increased sensitivity.
Of course, the instant disappearance of PMS symptoms should not be expected, but the first conclusions can be drawn after 3-4 months. In most cases, these recommendations eliminate the need for medical treatment.
As alternative methods management of premenstrual syndrome may be recommended different kinds massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and balneotherapy.
Many experts studying women's health consider acupressure to be the most effective. Stimulation of biologically active points increases vitality and enhances the body's ability to self-regulate.
Medical treatment
Pharmacotherapy is the main method, but it will definitely not help to cure completely. It is believed that PMS is a chronic disease, and some drugs only improve the quality of life by relieving symptoms.
Please note that all medicines the doctor prescribes, and no life stories or advice from “friends in misfortune” will replace the advice of a specialist. Our review is for informational purposes, and if you think that one of the drugs could help you, then be sure to discuss this point with your doctor.
Depending on the form of PMS, the following groups are distinguished:
- Combined oral contraceptives.
- Drugs to treat symptoms.
- Hormonal preparations.
- Diuretics.
- Antidepressants.
- Antiprostaglandin drugs.
Vitamins and minerals
Patients with a mild form of premenstrual syndrome are primarily prescribed not hormonal preparations- homeopathy, vitamins and minerals. Efficiency and minimal side effects are the main advantages of such products. In addition, non-hormonal drugs are not perceived “as medicine”.
According to studies, calcium carbonate affects fluid retention and increased appetite, and B vitamins are able to cope with the psycho-emotional manifestations of the disease.
Diuretics
These are diuretics, the appointment of which is justified in the edematous form of PMS. One of the most effective and safe is considered - "Veroshpiron"). The drug increases the excretion of sodium and chlorine ions, water, reduces the titratable acidity of urine. Has a hypotensive effect.
The initial daily dose is 25 mg (maximum 100 mg). Experts consider it appropriate to take diuretics during the period of expected fluid retention, that is, from the 16th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle.
Among side effects observed: hypotension, drowsiness, decreased libido and
COOK
The use of combined oral contraceptives is the most common tactic in the treatment of premenstrual syndromes. To date, attending physicians prefer COCs containing drospirenone. This substance is an analogue of natural progesterone.
The composition of one of the most famous drugs called "Yarina" is a combination of the progestogen drospirenone (3 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg). In patients taking this COC, there was a slight decrease in body weight and no fluid retention in the body. In addition, drospirenone has an effect on the secretion of the sebaceous glands, which reduces the number of rashes on the skin before menstruation.
Contraceptives containing drospirenone have a minimal number of side effects. However, despite the effectiveness of the drug, PMS symptoms (swelling, breast tenderness, headaches and bloating) may return after a seven-day break. For this reason, it is advisable to introduce an extended COC regimen.
Antidepressants
To eliminate psychological symptoms, the attending physician most often prescribes antidepressants ("Sertraline", "Fluoxetine"), the effectiveness of which has been proven by many clinical studies.
In the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, in contrast to the treatment of depression, these drugs are prescribed in shorter courses and at lower doses. There are two treatment regimens:
Taking medication when a symptom occurs;
Taking medication in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
For many of the fair sex, taking antidepressants is effective method, which allows you to eliminate the symptoms almost completely.
However, in some cases, the result achieved is not enough, so the doctor may decide to increase the dose or prescribe a different drug.
Taking antidepressants should be accompanied by keeping a diary and detailed notes about how you feel. Despite the fact that improvement can occur as early as two days after the start of the course, a competent specialist will draw conclusions about the effectiveness only after observing 2-4 menstrual cycles.
In rare cases, stopping antidepressants can cause nausea, dizziness, and irritability. Fortunately, these symptoms pass fairly quickly.
ethnoscience
Antidepressants, hormonal drugs and oral contraceptives have many side effects, so first of all, the fair sex remembers folk methods.
So, what herbs will help us overcome PMS:
- Melissa. Prepare a healing infusion at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. dry plant in a glass of boiling water. This drink eliminates irritability, soothes and relieves pain. A mixture of lemon balm, chamomile, jasmine, mint and valerian will help improve the result.
- Calendula, plantain leaves, calamus root and arnica flowers. Infusion wetted gauze strips, which are applied to the body to reduce swelling.
- Yarrow and jasmine. Against pain in the lower back and abdomen, pour boiling water over yarrow (40 g) and jasmine flowers (30 g). Three cups of infusion should be drunk per day.
Myth or reality?
So, we are talking about such an ailment as premenstrual syndrome. What it is, many girls and women know very well, but only 3-6% of the fairer sex are faced with a diagnosis of “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” (PMDD). This disease leaves a serious imprint, limits communication with people and social life, and also increases the number of days of disability. In patients with mental illness, their exacerbation is observed.
Interestingly, some scientists even question the existence of pathologies such as PMDD and premenstrual syndrome. The causes of the latter have not been proven at all, and most studies rely only on reports of well-being. Agree, such a point of view has the right to exist. Moreover, Western girls and women often almost consciously expect the appearance of PMS, rather than programming themselves to feel its certain symptoms.
Many scientists and medical specialists have been studying the characteristics of the female body for several centuries. And only recently it was finally possible to find out when PMS begins in females, and what are its true manifestations. Premenstrual syndrome has not been fully studied, but it is already known that when it appears, women do not feel well: fatigue, malaise appear, excessive aggression or tearfulness can also be observed.
There is no exact framework for how many years PMS occurs. Premenstrual syndrome is a fairly common phenomenon and occurs in 75% of women. This is a condition in which various pseudo-symptoms appear that are characteristic of PMS.
It is characterized by certain psychological and physiological characteristics. For each woman or girl, this condition manifests itself in different ways and is expressed in varying degrees of intensity.
Some women do not have premenstrual syndrome at all, while others have it all the time. Age plays an important role here, because PMS occurs only in women who have reached puberty with a formed menstrual cycle. This condition is observed only once a month and is accompanied by characteristic symptoms that are individual for each woman.
How many days before menstruation does PMS show up?
As noted earlier, in all women the syndrome is expressed in different ways, therefore, how many days before menstruation it manifests itself and how long it lasts - all this is purely individual. As a rule, the first symptoms can be observed in a woman 2-10 days before the onset of menstruation. Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the symptoms of PMS can be expressed to a greater or lesser extent.
The emergence of PMS is explained by the fact that in certain moment The menstrual cycle changes the level of hormones in the body. This affects the psycho-emotional and physiological processes, which causes changes in the behavior, well-being of a woman.
Before the onset of menstruation, in a few days, the restructuring of hormones begins, which accordingly causes changes in the functioning of the body as a whole. This condition can often last two weeks, after which the hormonal background returns to normal and the woman can again feel normal.
But this is not the case for everyone - each organism is individual, so often the manifestations of PMS in women may differ. Among the external and internal factors that affect the severity of symptoms, great importance have:
- the presence of any diseases;
- food quality;
- Lifestyle;
- ecology.
It may happen that menstruation began earlier, and as a result, PMS will also appear a few days earlier than expected. To identify the exact period of the onset of premenstrual syndrome, you need to know your own cycle, it is especially easier for those girls who have menstruation regularly at the same interval. In the first year after the onset of menstruation, adolescents may have a period for the duration of menstruation, but, as a rule, PMS is not observed during this period.
Causes of premenstrual syndrome
PMS can begin for many reasons, but, as a rule, the onset of the syndrome is due to some internal factors:
- violations in the body of water-salt balance;
- allergic reactions;
- psychological reasons;
- physiological factors.
The main reason for the appearance of PMS is a change in the level of hormones, when their number increases in the second phase of the cycle. For a woman, the balance of hormonal levels is very important, since any deviations from the norm entail not only changes in the psycho-emotional plan, but also contribute to the exacerbation of certain diseases, as a result of which health may worsen and general malaise and weakness appear.
Female hormones that ensure the normal and stable functioning of the whole body are presented below.
- Estrogen - is responsible for the physical and mental characteristics of the body, stabilizes muscle tone.
- Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is necessary to prepare the body for pregnancy, but with an increase in its level in the 2nd phase of the cycle, a woman may experience a depressive state.
- Androgens - increase physical and mental activity.
The beginning of the menstrual cycle can contribute to the occurrence of PMS, which is due to several reasons.
- A decrease in the hormone serotonin becomes the main cause of mood changes, as a result of which tearfulness and sadness appear.
- Lack of vitamin B6 - causes fatigue, mood changes.
- Lack of magnesium - contributes to dizziness.
Often, PMS is genetically transmitted, which is the main reason for its occurrence in a woman.
PMS symptoms
PMS in females has a lot of manifestations. For some, they may not be particularly pronounced, for others they may be more intense. Symptoms may last one day or may last up to 10 days. Basically, they are divided into psychological and physiological manifestations.
Psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome:
- depression;
- depressed state;
- stress, nervousness;
- unexplained aggression;
- irritability;
- frequent mood swings.
Psychological symptoms are quite pronounced and are common in women in the second phase of the cycle. Basically, the manifestations depend on the function of the nervous system and the work of hormones.
Physiological symptoms:
- feeling of nausea and vomiting;
- instability of blood pressure;
- aching or stabbing;
- puffiness;
- breast swelling;
- Rarely enough, but a rise in temperature is possible;
- weight set.
Physiological manifestations during the period of premenstrual syndrome depend on the hormonal level, lifestyle and environment.
How to distinguish pregnancy from PMS
Many women are unable to distinguish between the symptoms of PMS and pregnancy. To know for sure, you need to rely on the manifestations associated with premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy.
Some symptoms are similar to each other, but they differ in duration and degree of manifestation.
- Satisfied with rapid fatigue after light physical exertion.
- Enlargement of the mammary glands, their soreness when touched - during PMS, this manifestation is not long-term, but during pregnancy it continues until childbirth.
- Feeling of nausea, vomiting - PMS is rarely expressed by these symptoms, while pregnancy is characterized by such manifestations throughout the first trimester.
- Irritability, frequent mood swings.
- Pain in the lumbar region.
During pregnancy, the attitude to nutrition changes, often women may want to try a specific food. With menstruation, this does not happen, only a craving for sweet or salty is possible.
How to relieve premenstrual syndrome
This condition in the female can begin a few days before menstruation. Often there is a significant decrease in the activity of the body and its performance. Any physical exercise cause rapid fatigue, drowsiness and malaise.
In this case, you need to visit a doctor who should prescribe treatment. It is carried out after a medical examination, the patient's complaints and the severity of PMS symptoms are taken into account.
Medications for PMS
To suppress the symptoms and treat PMS, medications are prescribed that can stabilize well-being and weaken the effect of the syndrome on the body. Medicines are prescribed by a gynecologist and taken under his supervision.
- Psychotropic drugs - with their help, it is restored nervous system, and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as irritability, nervousness, and others are weakened.
- Hormonal drugs - recommended for hormone deficiency in the body.
- Antidepressants - help to improve overall well-being, normalize sleep, reduce anxiety, frustration, panic, and eliminate depression.
- Non-steroidal drugs - used for minor manifestations of PMS, they help eliminate headaches, and pain in the abdomen.
- Drugs that improve blood circulation.
Medicines are selected according to the characteristics of the female body, the symptoms and the degree of manifestation of signs of premenstrual syndrome are taken into account.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex of symptoms that occurs a few days (from 2 to 10) before the onset of menstruation and disappears in its first days. At other times, there are no PMS symptoms.
The condition includes neuropsychiatric disorders, vegetative-vascular and metabolic manifestations. Almost every woman has experienced the symptoms of PMS at some point. However, it is severe only in every tenth patient.
How and why premenstrual syndrome occurs
In the middle of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs in the ovary - an egg is released from a mature follicle. It begins to move along the abdominal cavity to fallopian tube for meeting with sperm and fertilization. In place of the bursting follicle, a corpus luteum is formed - a formation with high hormonal activity. In some women, in response to such endocrine "bursts", the parts of the brain responsible for emotions, vascular reactions, and metabolic regulation react. Often this individual response is inherited from mother to daughter.
Previously, it was believed that PMS occurs more often in women with disturbed hormonal levels. Now doctors are sure that such patients have a regular ovulatory cycle, and in all other respects they are healthy.
Theories for the development of PMS:
- hormonal;
- water intoxication;
- dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system;
- lack of vitamins and fatty acids in the diet;
- hyperprolactinemia;
- allergy;
- psychosomatic disorders.
With PMS, the relative content of estrogens increases with a relative decrease in the level of gestagens. Estrogens retain sodium and fluid in the body, causing swelling, flatulence, a headache, and chest pain. Estrogens activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, causing additional fluid retention. These sex hormones directly affect the area of the brain responsible for the formation of emotions (the limbic system). The level of potassium and glucose in the blood also decreases, which causes weakness, pain in the heart, decreased activity.
It depends on the level of gestagens how many days before menstruation PMS occurs. These hormones delay the onset of menstruation. They also determine how long premenstrual syndrome lasts.
As a result of a violation of the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, fluid retention occurs, which causes swelling of the intestinal wall. There is bloating, nausea, constipation.
The development of PMS contributes to the lack of vitamins, magnesium and unsaturated fatty acids in food. Some scientists believe that the result is depression, chest pain, irritability, and elevated body temperature.
Of particular importance in the mechanism of development of PMS is an increase in the level of prolactin in the second half of the cycle, an allergy to internal progesterone, as well as interconnected bodily (somatic) and mental (mental) changes.
Clinical picture
There are three groups of main symptoms that determine the severity of the condition:
- neuropsychiatric disorders: tearfulness, depression, irritability;
- vegetative-vascular changes: nausea and vomiting, headache and dizziness, palpitations, pain in the heart area, increased pressure;
- metabolic disorders: breast enlargement, swelling, bloating, thirst and shortness of breath, itching, chills, fever, pain in the lower abdomen.
An aggravating factor in the course of PMS is depression. With her, women feel more pain and other unpleasant sensations, which can smoothly turn into painful menstruation and migraine.
Forms of premenstrual syndrome
PMS can occur in the following clinical forms:
- neuro-psychic;
- edematous;
- cephalgic;
- crisis.
The neuropsychic form is accompanied by emotional disturbances. Young women have a reduced mood background. In adulthood, aggressiveness and irritability become the leading sign.
The edematous form is accompanied by swelling of the legs, face, eyelids. Shoes become tight, rings don't fit well. Sensitivity to odors increases, bloating, skin itching appears. Due to fluid retention, weight increases (by 500-1000 g).
In the cephalgic form, the main symptom is a headache in the temples with spread to the orbit. It has a jerking, pulsating character, accompanied by dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Most of these women have changes in the pituitary gland.
The crisis form is manifested by sympathoadrenal attacks: blood pressure suddenly rises, pressing pain in the chest appears, fear of death. At the same time, a strong heartbeat, a feeling of numbness and coldness of the hands and feet are disturbing. The crisis usually occurs late in the day, ends with the release of urine in a large volume. This form is more often observed as an outcome of untreated previous variants.
Flow
When does PMS start? With a mild course, 2-10 days before menstruation, three to four signs appear, one or two of which are most pronounced. In severe cases, symptoms appear 3-14 days before menstruation. There are more than five of them, and at least two are pronounced.
The course of PMS in all patients is different. For some, symptoms appear at the same time and stop with the onset of menstruation. In other patients, more and more signs are recorded over the years. The condition is normalized only after the end of menstrual bleeding. In the most severe cases the symptoms persist even after the cessation of menstruation, and the interval without complaints is gradually reduced. In such a situation, a woman may even lose her ability to work. In some patients, cyclic ailments continue after the onset of menopause. There is a so-called transformed PMS.
The mild course of PMS is accompanied by the appearance of a small number of symptoms, mild malaise, without limiting the normal rhythm of life. In more severe situations, the symptoms of this condition affect family life, performance, conflicts with others may appear. In severe cases, especially during a crisis course, a woman cannot work and needs to issue a certificate of incapacity for work.
Diagnostics
PMS is a clinical diagnosis based on the analysis of symptoms, their severity, and the cyclical occurrence. An examination by a gynecologist is prescribed, the genital organs are performed. For proper hormonal therapy, it is necessary to determine the level of sex and other hormones in the blood.
The patient is consulted by a neurologist, if necessary - a psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist. She may be assigned to such studies as electroencephalography, computed tomography of the brain, ultrasound of the kidneys,.
Only after a comprehensive examination and observation, the gynecologist makes such a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
PMS treatment
How to relieve premenstrual syndrome? To this end, the following scheme is recommended:
- psychotherapy;
- proper nutrition;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- treatment of premenstrual syndrome drugs.
Psychotherapy
Rational psychotherapy helps to get rid of such unpleasant symptoms as excessive emotionality, mood swings, tearfulness or aggressiveness. For this purpose, methods of psycho-emotional relaxation are used, stabilizing behavioral techniques. A woman is taught how to relieve PMS, help to cope with the fear of the onset of menstruation.
It is very useful to conduct psychotherapeutic sessions not only with a woman, but also with her relatives. Relatives learn to better understand the patient's condition. Conversations with the close environment of the patient improve the microclimate in the family. Through psychosomatic mechanisms, it is possible to improve the physical condition of the patient, to alleviate the objective manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.
Lifestyle and nutrition
In the diet, it is necessary to increase the content of vegetable fiber. It normalizes the work of the intestines, removes excess fluid from the body. The daily diet should consist of 75% carbohydrates (mostly complex), 15% protein and only 10% fat. The use of fats must be limited, as they affect the participation of the liver in the exchange of estrogen. It is better to avoid beef as well, as it often contains small doses of artificially introduced hormones. Thus, fermented milk products will be the most useful source of protein for PMS.
It is useful to increase the consumption of juice, in particular, carrot juice with the addition of lemon. Recommended herbal teas with the addition of mint, lemon balm, valerian. Herbal sedative for PMS helps to cope with emotional disorders, improve sleep and overall well-being.
You should abandon the excess of salt, spices, limit the consumption of chocolate and meat. Should not be consumed alcoholic drinks, because they reduce the body's content of B vitamins, minerals, change the metabolism of carbohydrates. The work of the liver suffers, which can lead to a violation of estrogen metabolism and an increase in the severity of the condition.
You do not need to take many drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, Coca-Cola) during PMS. Caffeine causes fluid retention, disrupts sleep, and contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, it enhances the engorgement of the mammary glands.
Preparations for the treatment of PMS
If you have symptoms of PMS, you should consult a doctor. He will tell you how to deal with his symptoms using medications. Consider the main groups of drugs for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
- After examination by a gynecologist, if an increased content of estrogens (absolute or relative hyperestrogenism) is detected, gestagens are prescribed. These include Duphaston, Norkolut and others. Gonadotropin-releasing factor agonists, in particular, Danazol, also have an antiestrogenic effect.
- Antihistamines are prescribed in connection with an increase in the level of histamine and serotonin in such patients. Tavegil, Suprastin are usually used at night starting two days before the expected onset of PMS and ending with the first day of menstruation.
- To normalize the functioning of the brain structures responsible for vascular regulation and mental disorders, nootropics are prescribed - Nootropil, Aminalon, starting from the first day of menstruation for two weeks. Such courses are repeated for three months in a row, then they take a break.
- If, after determining the level of hormones, an increase in the level of prolactin is detected, Parlodel (bromocriptine) is prescribed, starting two days before the expected onset of PMS, for 10 days.
- In the presence of pronounced edema, the appointment of a diuretic with a potassium-sparing effect of Veroshpiron, which is an aldosterone antagonist, is indicated. Assign it 4 days before the deterioration of health and stop taking it with the onset of menstruation. If the edematous syndrome is manifested by a headache, visual impairment, it is recommended to use Diakarb.
- In the presence of pain, the main means for the treatment of PMS are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular, Diclofenac. It is prescribed two days before the deterioration of health. These drugs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, biologically active substances that cause many of the symptoms of PMS. Course treatment is carried out for three months. The effect of such a course lasts up to four months after its termination. Then PMS symptoms return, but are usually less intense.
- excessive emotionality, depressive disorders, neurosis may be an indication for the appointment of tranquilizers. There are special "day" drugs that do not suppress normal activity, in particular, Grandaxin and Afobazol. Antipsychotics and antidepressants may be used. These drugs are prescribed by a psychiatrist. They need to be taken continuously for 3-6 months.
- Vitamins A and E have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system, including reducing the severity of premenstrual syndrome. They are taken orally or injected intramuscularly for a month, alternating with each other. With the appearance of anxiety and depressive disorders in the second half of the cycle, magnesium preparations and vitamin B6 are prescribed.
PMS is treated in cycles. In the first three months, a diet, herbal sedatives, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Then make a break in treatment for 3-6 months. When the symptoms of PMS return, other drugs with more serious effects are added to the treatment. Don't expect a quick effect. Therapy should be carried out for a long time, accompanied by a modification of nutrition and lifestyle.
How long PMS (premenstrual syndrome) lasts and why it occurs has long been a mystery to doctors. Some healers argued that the phases of the moon strongly influence the female body during this period. Some attributed the malaise to the area where the woman lives. Only in the 20th century was it possible to lift the veil of obscurity. Doctors have proven that PMS is a complex of 150 both mental and physical symptoms. In varying degrees of complexity, almost 75% of women suffer from this syndrome.
Scientists have not yet been able to identify the specific causes of premenstrual syndrome. There are many different theories explaining its appearance:
- "Water intoxication" when the body's water-salt balance is disturbed.
- An allergic reaction of a woman's body to the hormone progesterone.
- Psychosomatic reason.
Doctors are unanimous that the most likely causes of PMS are:
- a decrease in the level of the “hormone of joy”, which is serotonin. Its deficiency causes depression and tears for no reason;
- a lack of vitamin B6 in the body affects the physical condition of the breast (appears);
- smoking can doubly exacerbate PMS symptoms;
- overweight with an index over 30 is the key to the onset of the syndrome (observed 3 times more often);
- the genetic factor suggests the transmission of the disease by inheritance.
One of the causes of PMS is the consequences and difficult childbirth. In some cases, the cause should be sought in existing gynecological diseases.
Hormonal theory
According to this theory, PMS is the result of a change in the content of sex hormones in a woman's body in the second phase of menstruation. The female body functions normally when her hormonal levels do not change.
Hormones perform a number of important functions in the body. As for estrogens, they are:
- improve the physical condition of the body, and also affect the mental well-being of a woman;
- increase the general tone and contribute to the development of creativity;
- affect the speed of assimilation and processing of incoming information;
- enhance learning ability.
The function of progesterone includes a sedative effect. This explains the appearance of depression in women. Androgen hormones affect libido, improve performance and increase energy.
In case of imbalance of hormones, and this is typical for the period of the 2nd phase of the cycle, the body begins to fail. Some parts of the brain react sharply to such changes. As a result, a number of disorders occur, including a delay in the outflow of fluid.
This explains:
- the appearance of edema;
- disruption of the cardiovascular system;
- breast swelling;
- irritability;
- disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.
Premenstrual syndrome is dangerous due to complications of a woman's chronic diseases. Such a simple sign as the cyclical nature of PMS will help to distinguish them.
It is worth regularly noting periods of poor health and their duration. They usually happen before menstruation and then pass.
Syndrome symptoms
How to get rid of discomfort
If symptoms are severe, doctors suggest the woman first rule out other conditions. To do this, you need to pass tests and check general state health. and is not excluded.
If these are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, then the course can be followed by the following recommendations of doctors:
- You need to sleep at least 8 hours. Good sleep restores strength and relieves irritability and aggression. With obvious insomnia, do not refuse walks in the fresh air.
- Use aromatherapy. If there is no allergy to aromatic oils, then they greatly alleviate the serious condition caused by PMS. Baths with oils are recommended to be taken 2 weeks before critical days.
- Don't give up on physical activity. It can be yoga, hiking, dancing, Pilates. Regular physical activity can increase the level of endorphins. This will help get rid of depression.
- Take vitamins B6, A and E to help with heart palpitations and fatigue.
- Get your nutrition in order. Include foods that contain calcium and fiber in your menu. In the daily diet, the following ratio should be observed: 10% - fats, 15% - proteins, 75% - carbohydrates. Useful herbal teas and fresh juices. Alcohol should be excluded.
- Relaxation practices and regular sex increase the content of endorphins and can strengthen the immune system.
Turning to the doctor, the woman receives drug treatment. She takes all the necessary tests to determine the level of hormones. If necessary, an ultrasound is prescribed. After that, the doctor prescribes the necessary drugs, mainly hormonal "Janine", "Novinet" and others.
According to the criminal chronicle, women make the majority of road accidents during PMS. Thefts, murders and various crimes involving the beautiful half of humanity also occur during this period of time. PMS is considered a mitigating circumstance in sentencing in some countries.
An interesting fact is that many women with PMS want to raid stores and make numerous purchases.
In the lives of many women, there are three cherished letters that turn a tender nymph into an unpredictable explosive person. loving friends and relatives quickly abstract from the situation and run away. What is exceptional female disease that terrifies everyone? This is the inevitable premenstrual syndrome, briefly.
The most common manifestations of premenstrual syndrome are a headache, sometimes reaching a migraine, causeless irritability, depression, depression, problems with stool and urination, thirst, acne and other rashes on the face, swelling, desire for sweet and salty in uncontrolled quantities.
In my practice, there were cases when a girl called an ambulance, her stomach hurt so much before menstruation. And nothing helped her, except for crouching down. And for others, after 35 years, the chest began to hurt, turn to stone and fill up, like Pamela Anderson.
Unfortunately, in such a situation, little depends on the woman, because these processes are regulated by her hormonal background.
Of course, among us there are lucky women who have never experienced the delights of premenstrual syndrome in their lives. But most, alas, know perfectly well what is at stake.
By the way, I want to note that in my practice there were also men who calculated with a calendar when their beloved would have menstruation. And exactly in a week they began to pour a beloved sedative into tea and coax with chocolates. (Men, if you're reading this article, please don't do this!)
As one of my patients said, ¨Do you know why this period in women is called PMS? Because the term “mad cow disease” has already been taken¨. In fact, it is not the bitchy nature that is to blame, but some hormonal changes that occur in the female body during the cycle.
So, let's figure out what it is and how to make friends with it.
Premenstrual syndrome is a complex set of regularly recurring symptoms that lead to an imbalance in the physical and psycho-emotional state of a woman. It occurs in 7 out of 10 women aged 20-45 years. As a rule, cyclically occurs several (on average 5-10) days before the onset of menstruation.
The peculiarity of PMS is that the number of symptoms is huge, and they are diverse.
Vivid emotional manifestations
- Depression
- Irritability
- Sometimes aggressiveness
Changes in the body
- Swelling and soreness of the mammary glands
- Vulvovaginal or the so-called ¨thrush¨
- Edema
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite and therefore weight gain
Simply put, these days, some of the fair sex are turning into whiny-aggressive hungry furies.
There are clear medical criteria that explain the phenomena that lead to PMS.
- Lack of some sex hormones.
One of the most important "female" hormones is traditionally considered to be progesterone - a steroid hormone that has a very wide complex effect on the woman's body. Its lack in the second phase of the cycle is directly related to the occurrence of PMS. -
If you do not get enough sleep, then the stress hormone begins to be produced by the body in increased quantities. Which, accordingly, causes a decrease in the hormone of healthy sleep and the emotional well-being of progesterone. After all, both of these hormones are united by a single metabolic pathway in the adrenal glands. Therefore, even if three months ago you had a sufficient content of sex hormones in your body, then as a result of lack of sleep, you are guaranteed their insufficiency, and, as a result, PMS. - A lack of , especially B6. This is especially true for vegetarians.
- Flaw can cause tachycardia and headaches.
- estrogen dominance.
After the age of 30, a woman begins a gradual decrease in the level of sex hormones. Most often, progesterone fades faster than. The distortion of the relationship of sex hormones is also influenced by environmental factors: fake estrogens (xenoestrogens). All these components lead to a state of estrogen dominance.
Often women are doomed to premenstrual syndrome and think that it is for life. Not necessarily! Modern medicine has a wide range of options for treating PMS. These are vitamins and microelements, restoration of hormonal levels, physiotherapy and much more.
I note that women over 35 years old with a bright PMS generally need regular follow-up with a functional medicine doctor. It is highly likely that they will have a difficult menopause.
Second, pay close attention to your menstrual cycle. If the cycle began to change, both for shortening and lengthening, this is the first signal of a decrease in ovarian function. Be sure to consult a functional medicine specialist.
The most effective way to check the functioning of the ovaries and adrenal glands is to take a multisteroid test for hormones from the 18th to the 21st day of the cycle. And to understand how your sex hormones are in balance, you can use the estrogen-progesterone ratio.
For example, vitamin deficiencyDor may lead to menstrual irregularities and PMS.
If more gross deviations were found in the analyzes, the doctor adds with jewelry what the patient lacks. Some choose monocomponent therapy. But it also happens vice versa, when it is necessary to balance the lack of all hormones.
Preventive measures for PMS
- First of all - sleep! Healthy sleep until 23.00 is the key to the beauty of a woman.
- Watch your weight. Eat fractionally, a maximum of 3-4 times a day. Choose non-starchy vegetables, organic protein foods, vegetable oils, and greens.
- Before menstruation, reduce the consumption of flour, salty and sweet. Eliminate alcohol, strong tea and coffee.
- Ensure your daily diet proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Another secret: give up soy products. They introduce an imbalance in the female hormonal background.
Also during this period it is useful to practice yoga and meditation. These techniques will help you relax and calm down. Rest well and, if possible, remain calm.
One last piece of advice for men. Do not look for logic in women's words. Give your beloved a little more patience, love and affection during PMS days. Once again, show how much you love her. Give a gift, even a symbolic one.
Editorial opinion may not reflect the views of the author.
In case of health problems, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.
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