What is premenstrual syndrome?
Write the 13/02/2023 by Santarome Bio
Each month the women's menstrual cycle begins again. And for some, periods may be more painful. Indeed, a large proportion of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome and 5% of them have a serious form called premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to symptoms that begin before the period of menstruation in women. We explain everything to you in this article!
What is PMS?
PMS is a disorder that recurs before each menstrual cycle and causes symptoms such as anxiety, emotional imbalance, phases of depression that occur for 7 to 10 days. Although in principle these symptoms are not serious, they nevertheless remain painful and unpleasant.
PMS starts 5 to 11 days before the start of your period and disappears, most of the time, after the first day or days of your period. The difference is that every body is different and so every hormonal balance is not the same in one woman to another.
Premenstrual syndrome affects women of all ages and that is why it is necessary to remedy this problem.
Symptoms of PMS
Several symptoms can appear and complicate the daily life of women with PMS. These symptoms can again vary from one woman to another. We find there:
- Tiredness
- Increased sensitivity
- Swellings
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Or in the opposite direction of long sleeps
- Concentration problems
- Constipation problems
- Nausea and dizziness
- Pain in the head, back, breasts or stomach
- Digestive problems: bloating
- Dermatological problems: dermatoses, acne
Stress and anxiety can in particular accentuate the effects.
The causes of PMS
There are several possible causes of PMS. The most common causes are:
Hormonal causes: hypoglycemia, variation in estrogen levels
A genetic predisposition.
Serotonin deficiency: Serotonin is a hormone that acts for transmission between neurons.
Magnesium and calcium deficiencies.
The consequences of PMS
As we said previously, premenstrual syndrome has no serious consequences, however, it does have some and this can hamper your everyday life.
It can lead to edema and weight gain due to fluid retention. Tight and painful breasts can also be a consequence of PMS.
Other unpleasant sensations such as stomach and back pain can have a significant impact. PMS can also change a woman's appetite.
Additionally, PMS symptoms can worsen pre-existing conditions.
Differences with pregnancy symptoms
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting… it is true that premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy have similar symptoms.
However, it is possible to differentiate them. In PMS, pain and cramps last, most of the time, from 24 to 48 hours before the arrival of the period. On the other hand, cramps can last for several weeks without even having a period when you are pregnant.
From a dietary point of view, it is also possible to differentiate between premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy. Indeed, in PMS, you may have cravings before the arrival of your period whereas during pregnancy, you will have cravings for specific foods which are due to the pregnancy.
Finally, a simple and effective way to find out if you are pregnant or suffering from PMS is to take a pregnancy test. Nothing is more certain to differentiate between the two.
Impact on sexual desire
Premenstrual syndrome is also not without consequences on your sexuality! And yes, it sometimes puts your sex life aside, which can be a hindrance in your married life. Indeed, the symptoms linked to PMS stop women's sexual desire. PMS brings its limits to the carnal life because during this period, women feel vulnerable and tired. Sometimes their only desire is to come home from work and sleep.
Solutions to combat PMS
Although there is no magic treatment yet to combat PMS, some solutions are still good to take to reduce or stop its effects.
Avoid going out and doing tiring household chores as much as possible. On the contrary, practice a physical activity that will allow you to relax, such as yoga or swimming. Don't hesitate to rest as soon as you feel tired.
Reduce your caffeine and sugar consumption, as well as your tobacco consumption, if you are a smoker. It is particularly advisable to reduce your alcohol consumption and opt for light, low-salt meals. Consume foods rich in fiber and calcium and avoid foods that are too fatty.
If these simple tips are unfortunately not enough to relieve your pain, Santarome Bio offers Gummies specially adapted to PMS pain and menstrual cycles. Our products are 100% vegan and organic. Gluten-free and made in France, you will enjoy taking your good raspberry flavored gummies every day (1 week before and during your period).
The properties of our gummies are designed to calm period pain and optimize premenstrual and menstrual comfort. Indeed, our formula is composed of organic fennel, cinnamon and raspberry which provide menstrual comfort and help with relaxation to help you get through your period.
Easy to take, our gummies are chewing gums with a good elderberry flavor. No more painful pre-monthly periods!
