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.

Why do I need a skin tonic?

A variety of factors will necessitate the usage of special skin rejuvenating serums. The question is: Do you need one, and why?

Time waits for no man (or woman). It marches on, pulling everything in its path onward. Every person ages, every person starts looking and feeling older. Time also leaves an indelible mark on people – it changes their appearance, starts diseases and disorders in the body and affects their psyche.

If aging and stress are claiming your skin for its own, you might need to use special skin creams and serums to replenish its lost beauty. Your dermatologist might recommend that you use a skin rejuvenating serum to restore hydration and radiance. A look in your mirror will also confirm the need for such a serum. Here’s why you need it:

* Aging. Aging causes a host of skin issues. It starts by crippling the skin’s ability to repair damaged skin’s cells and create new ones. This has a direct bearing on the skin’s appearance and ability to deal with aging. The skin becomes dull, develops age spots and fine lines, apart from becoming increasingly oily and lifeless. A skin rejuvenating serum inhibits the signs of aging and helps the skin repair and renew itself faster.

* Stress. Stress is a primary factor causing many skin problems. It can cause an increased incidence of acne, higher breakouts, increased oiliness and even discolouration. Stress interferes with the normal restorative processes of skin, thus causing all of these problems. A skin rejuvenating serum calms the skin’s tissues, increases blood flow to the skin and improves its ability to slough off impurities.

* Restorative functions. As mentioned earlier, a skin rejuvenating serum helps restore the skin’s hydration levels and renewal ability. Aided by sufficient rest, healthy diet, exercise and lots of water drunk throughout the day, the serum is able to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and moisturise parched tissues. The tissues are plumped up and able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Meanwhile, with hydration levels restored, the skin is able to combat skin problems and infections better.

* Better skin care while sleeping. Getting sufficient amounts of rest is important for healthy skin. You will notice how your skin glows after a good night’s rest. This is because the skin repairs and heals itself while you sleep. You can aid the skin’s natural renewing regimen with a good skin serum that accelerates the repair process.

* No need for cosmetic treatments. Often, the skin merely needs a boost to perform its repair and restorative functions well. A skin serum offers this boost. If the skin performs to optimum levels, it is able to retard the signs and symptoms of aging, combat stress and injury, and also replenish lost hydration levels much faster. This results in smooth, younger looking skin free of lines, wrinkles and age spots. Radiant, youthful skin does not need cosmetic treatments for a long time.

Removing acne scars at home

Get the right ingredients and be prepared for a long wait as your acne scars reduce gradually and are eliminated permanently.

Most women battle with acne and acne scars for the longest time. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to resolve the problem of their recurring acne. Acne by itself is traumatic enough, but when it leaves scars on the skin, it becomes an embarrassing and aggravating problem.

A dermatologist will expound on the virtues of laser treatments for your particular problems, but the answer is often a simpler one. Knowing how to remove acne scars is easy if you put your faith in substances you can find in your kitchen. Often, natural remedies help scar removal and are a permanent fix as well. Try these remedies if you wish to know how to remove your acne scars:

Potato and cucumber mash. Take a fresh potato and cut it into thin slices. Now mash a few slices of cucumber with the potato slices in a bowl. Apply this mash to the acne and scar-ridden skin every day. Over time, you will see that your skin looks more radiant and the acne scars also reduce.

Lemon juice. Citric fruits such as lemon contain large doses of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is useful in lightening dark patches and age spots, and it is also beneficial in reducing the size and colour of acne scars. Cut a small piece of lemon and rub it over the scar twice a day. Soon, you will notice that the scar begins to fade. You can also cleanse your skin and apply fresh lemon juice all over to lighten your complexion and reduce incidence of acne.

Tomato pulp. Tomato contains several vitamins and nutrients essential to boost skin health. In fact, one should rub tomato pulp on the skin every day to keep the skin healthy and radiant. It is also useful in reducing the intensity of acne scars. Mash an overripe tomato and rub it all over the skin. Let it dry till the skin begins to feel taut. Wipe off with cool water and apply an astringent to close the skin’s pores. Do this every day for best results.

Baking soda. Baking soda does much more than make your cakes fluffy – it contains natural anti-bacterial properties that are useful in skin care. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in half teaspoon of water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the acne scars at least twice a week. The scar begins to lighten soon, and the skin becomes brighter and more even in texture. You can use this remedy also on your acne, but not on broken skin.

Coconut oil. The humble coconut oil has many skin-friendly properties. It has been used since ancient times as a healing agent in many cultures. When applied on the skin, it promotes hydration, nourishes the skin and aids faster skin repair. It is also a good ingredient to use on acne scars as it gently reduces the scar and fades it away while nourishing the skin. You can also use coconut oil to remove your make-up completely without using chemical-laden removers.