Demystifying Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: The Causes and Effects

A cross-sectional study conducted at the College of Medicine, Taibah University revealed that premenstrual syndrome was prevalent in 56.4% of the participating students, according to a research paper published in the International Journal of Academic Scientific Research in November-December 2015.

Three out of every four women experience PMS at some or other point in their lives. A normal menstrual cycle is one of the most important indicators of sound female health. However, along with blood discharge, some women may experience cramps and pain typically in the stomach and lower back region. Women may also experience premenstrual syndrome which precedes menstruation.

What is PMS?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a condition typically characterised by physical and physiological symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, sore breasts, acne, food cravings, constipation, diarrhoea, headaches, changes in sleeping pattern, anxiety, depression and emotional outbursts. The symptoms may differ from one female to another and may range from mild to severe. These symptoms may start to appear just after ovulation and may stretch up to four days after the start of periods. Premenstrual syndrome tends to be at its peak close to four-to-five days before menstruation.

Causes

PMS is known to be caused by changes in the hormone levels, mainly of progesterone and oestrogens during the menstrual cycle, which prepares the body for periods. Females with a family history of PMS, history of depression and mood disorders (post-partum depression and bipolar disorder) are more likely to develop PMS at some point or the other.

If your doctor has ruled out other conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms as PMS and if the symptoms reoccur every month during two weeks before your periods, then you might be experiencing premenstrual syndrome. In severe cases, it affects the quality of life. Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of the symptoms and may get several tests done so as to make a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no particular treatment that can prevent PMS and or treat it completely, but you can follow certain steps that can help you manage and ease the symptoms. You can take medications for headache and backache. In severe cases, medication may also be prescribed for depression. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet, exercising (aerobics and walking) and getting proper sleep are some of the things that can relieve PMS symptoms. If the symptoms persist long after menstruation is over or if it is affecting your daily activities, consult a doctor immediately.

What To Do in Case of Heavy Menstrual Flow?

A comparative study conducted in Saudi Arabia reported that 53.4% of girls in government schools and 67.9% in private schools have knowledge of menstruation, according to a research paper published in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice in September 2015. The study also revealed that the primary source of information about mesntruation for young girls is their mothers. The topic of menses is still considered a taboo and is often discussed in hushed tones and behind closed doors. Periods are a natural process, with which the female body sheds waste material every month and a normal menstrual cycle is also an important indicator of a healthy female body.

Causes of Menorrhagia

Every menstruating woman must know about the various abnormalities that can occur during her menstrual cycle, so that she is able to identify and act upon them as soon as possible. If you are experiencing heavy blood flow during your periods, you need to visit your doctor today. Heavy blood flow (also known as menorrhagia) can be identified by the need to change sanitary napkins every hour or two. You might have to change your sanitary napkin during the night as well. In such cases, you should know that this is not normal and should be addressed immediately.  Heavy blood flow can lead to anaemia, fatigue and weakness. Given below are some of the causes of menorrhagia:

·         Hormonal Imbalance – Hormonal imbalance of progesterone and estrogen may kead to the endometrium (uterus lining) building in excess, which is then shed in the form of heavy bleeding during periods.

·         Uterine Fibroids and Polyps – These are benign growths in the uterus that may cause prolonged or heavy bleeding.

·         IUD – Heavy bleeding is a known side-effect of non-hormonal intra-uterine devices.

·         Other Medical Conditions – Menorrhagia may also be a consequence of medical conditions, such as poly cystic ovarian syndrome, adenomyosis, in which the glands from the endometrium become embedded in the uterine wall, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other organs of the reproductive system. Dysfunction of the ovaries may also result in menorrhagia.

Blood flow during menses may also be affected by certain medications. If you experience it over and over again, then chances are that you might have inherited the condition from your mother. Heavy bleeding during menstruation may be accompanied by stomach pain and cramps. If the condition persists, you must see a doctor. Generally, the cause is identified and treated through medication. Surgery might be needed in severe cases.