Healthwatch by Shyft

Join Dash Women's Health Communities for expert advice, curated resources & support.
Join now

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms
download-file
Download our complete guide to PCOS Management
arrow-right
Content
Content

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to a woman’s menstrual period. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life.

Physical Symptoms of PMS

  1. Bloating: Some women may experience bloating or water retention in the days leading up to their period, which can cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness.
  2. Cramps: Abdominal cramps can occur in the days leading up to a woman’s period, which can be mild to severe in intensity.
  3. Fatigue: Many women experience fatigue and tiredness in the days before their period, which can be due to hormonal changes or a lack of sleep.
  4. Headaches: Some women may experience headaches in the days leading up to their period, which can be caused by hormonal changes or changes in blood pressure.
  5. Breast Tenderness: Breast tenderness is another common symptom of PMS, which can cause discomfort or pain in the breasts.

Emotional Symptoms of PMS

  1. Mood Swings: Many women experience mood swings in the days leading up to their period, which can include irritability, anxiety, or depression.
  2. Anxiety: Anxiety and nervousness can also be a symptom of PMS, which can cause feelings of tension or unease.
  3. Depression: Some women may experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the days leading up to their period, which can be due to hormonal changes.
  4. Irritability: Irritability and anger are common emotional symptoms of PMS, which can cause tension and conflict in relationships.
  5. Food Cravings: Some women may experience food cravings or increased appetite in the days before their period, which can be due to hormonal changes or changes in blood sugar levels.

Managing PMS

While PMS can be uncomfortable and disruptive to a woman’s daily life, there are several ways to manage and reduce its symptoms:

  1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce PMS symptoms by improving mood and reducing stress levels.
  2. Diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help reduce PMS symptoms, including reducing caffeine and sugar intake.
  3. Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for reducing PMS symptoms, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate mood swings and fatigue.
  4. Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  5. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can be used to manage PMS symptoms, including cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness.

Read more: Menstruation: Myths vs Reality

Conclusion

PMS is a common and often frustrating experience for many women. Understanding its symptoms and implementing strategies for managing it can help reduce its impact on daily life. If PMS symptoms are severe or significantly impact daily life, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

pcos
pcos
Download our complete guide to PCOS Management
Enter your details

Enter your phone number or Email
address to download the PDF.

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Featured articles on PCOS

Check out our featured articles for a clear understanding of the latest nutrition trends and information. Empowering you to make informed choices that positively impact your health.

Busting Common PCOS Myths

4 minutes

26 May 2023

Busting Common PCOS Myths

With a chronic ailment affecting one in every 5 women, come misjudged assumptions, myths, misplaced beliefs and whatnot. It can often be difficult to navigate a chronic ailment based on what people close to us say and supposedly benign advice which can potentially be completely unscientific. This is why we felt the need to collate some of the most commonly heard myths (to the extent that they are assumed to be true) to clear the air. Myth 1: PCOS is… Read more

Most read

Busting Common PCOS Myths

Busting Common PCOS Myths

With a chronic ailment affecting one in every 5 women, come misjudged assumptions, myths, misplaced beliefs and whatnot. It can often be difficult to navigate a chronic ailment based on what people close to us say and supposedly benign advice which can potentially be completely unscientific. This is why we felt the need to collate some of the most commonly heard myths (to the extent that they are assumed to be true) to clear the air. Myth 1: PCOS is…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

26 May 2023

Most read

PCOS may impact your mental health. Here’s how you can deal with it

Living with a chronic ailment can often have its own toll on one’s mental health and well-being. Especially for women, when a chronic ailment affects the way they look because of hormonal imbalances that cause infertility, obesity, and excessive facial hair, it can also lead to severe mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. For a lot of women, aspects of life like infertility and inability in childbearing can leave them questioning their worth and cause negative perceptions… Read more

PCOS may impact your mental health. Here’s how you can deal with it

PCOS may impact your mental health. Here’s how you can deal with it

Living with a chronic ailment can often have its own toll on one’s mental health and well-being. Especially for women, when a chronic ailment affects the way they look because of hormonal imbalances that cause infertility, obesity, and excessive facial hair, it can also lead to severe mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. For a lot of women, aspects of life like infertility and inability in childbearing can leave them questioning their worth and cause negative perceptions…

book

5 minutes

|

calendar

29 Apr 2023

Suspecting PCOS? Here’s what you need to check

Missed periods, unusual acne and oily skin making you suspect PCOS? Your symptoms can be vague or mimic symptoms of other conditions, making PCOS go undiagnosed for a while.Nonetheless, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in the reproductive years of women.1 in 5 women experience PCOS and are often unsure of how it plays out. There is no one specific reason or single cause for PCOS, the reasons can range from genetics to Insulin resistance to raised… Read more

Suspecting PCOS? Here’s what you need to check

Suspecting PCOS? Here’s what you need to check

Missed periods, unusual acne and oily skin making you suspect PCOS? Your symptoms can be vague or mimic symptoms of other conditions, making PCOS go undiagnosed for a while.Nonetheless, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in the reproductive years of women.1 in 5 women experience PCOS and are often unsure of how it plays out. There is no one specific reason or single cause for PCOS, the reasons can range from genetics to Insulin resistance to raised…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS

4 minutes

27 Apr 2023

Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS

Manging PCOS can be tricky. While the internet is flooded with things to do and avoid — it can be challenging to know what works best for you. No two bodies are alike and thus, the degree or symptoms of PCOS also differ from person to person. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could be genetic or environmental factors that could be playing an important role in the pathology of the chronic ailment.  There’s no cure for PCOS, but your symptoms can… Read more

Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS

Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS

Manging PCOS can be tricky. While the internet is flooded with things to do and avoid — it can be challenging to know what works best for you. No two bodies are alike and thus, the degree or symptoms of PCOS also differ from person to person. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could be genetic or environmental factors that could be playing an important role in the pathology of the chronic ailment.  There’s no cure for PCOS, but your symptoms can…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Is PCOS Genetic?

3 minutes

27 Apr 2023

Is PCOS Genetic?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrinal disorder that has a large impact on the health burden of women and is believed to have a strong genetic basis. Despite extensive studies of PCOS, endocrinologists lack a firm understanding of how it originates. While genetics are passed down from previous generations, it’s not always the case with genetic components of chronic ailments. In short, PCOS may or may not be genetic. A complex ailment like PCOS can be triggered… Read more

Is PCOS Genetic?

Is PCOS Genetic?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrinal disorder that has a large impact on the health burden of women and is believed to have a strong genetic basis. Despite extensive studies of PCOS, endocrinologists lack a firm understanding of how it originates. While genetics are passed down from previous generations, it’s not always the case with genetic components of chronic ailments. In short, PCOS may or may not be genetic. A complex ailment like PCOS can be triggered…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Are PCOS and Diabetes correlated?

3 minutes

27 Apr 2023

Are PCOS and Diabetes correlated?

PCOS, an endocrinological disorder, can be linked to diabetes. While the link is not proven, women with PCOS have the tendency to get symptoms of diabetes. PCOS causes irregular periods and infertility in women. Experts are not sure of what causes it, but they do know that women who have PCOS have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects how the body manages blood sugar. It is important to understand both conditions to understand the underlying… Read more

Are PCOS and Diabetes correlated?

Are PCOS and Diabetes correlated?

PCOS, an endocrinological disorder, can be linked to diabetes. While the link is not proven, women with PCOS have the tendency to get symptoms of diabetes. PCOS causes irregular periods and infertility in women. Experts are not sure of what causes it, but they do know that women who have PCOS have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects how the body manages blood sugar. It is important to understand both conditions to understand the underlying…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Ovulation for Women with PCOS

5 minutes

27 Apr 2023

Ovulation for Women with PCOS

Ovulation is a natural and healthy event for women. In normal menstrual cycles, ovulation typically happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle which is about 14 days before the next menstrual cycle. Tracking your period cycles can be very important if you suffer from PCOS because it can help to determine when you are most likely to be able to get pregnant. What is PCOS? PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s… Read more

Ovulation for Women with PCOS

Ovulation for Women with PCOS

Ovulation is a natural and healthy event for women. In normal menstrual cycles, ovulation typically happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle which is about 14 days before the next menstrual cycle. Tracking your period cycles can be very important if you suffer from PCOS because it can help to determine when you are most likely to be able to get pregnant. What is PCOS? PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s…

book

5 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Menstruation: Myths vs Reality

3 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Menstruation: Myths vs Reality

Menstruation has been a topic of taboo and ignorance for centuries. Even today, people hold various myths and beliefs about menstruation that are baseless and harmful. These myths often lead to discrimination, exclusion, and adverse health outcomes for women and girls. It's high time that we break down these myths and educate ourselves about menstruation. This blog will discuss some common myths about menstruation and try to debunk them. Myth 1: Menstruation is dirty One of the most common myths… Read more

Menstruation: Myths vs Reality

Menstruation: Myths vs Reality

Menstruation has been a topic of taboo and ignorance for centuries. Even today, people hold various myths and beliefs about menstruation that are baseless and harmful. These myths often lead to discrimination, exclusion, and adverse health outcomes for women and girls. It's high time that we break down these myths and educate ourselves about menstruation. This blog will discuss some common myths about menstruation and try to debunk them. Myth 1: Menstruation is dirty One of the most common myths…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

3 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to a woman's menstrual period. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and can have a significant impact on a woman's daily life. Physical Symptoms of PMS Bloating: Some women may experience bloating or water retention in the days leading up to their period, which can cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness. Cramps: Abdominal cramps can occur… Read more

Featured

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

Understanding Pre-Menstrual Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to a woman's menstrual period. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and can have a significant impact on a woman's daily life. Physical Symptoms of PMS Bloating: Some women may experience bloating or water retention in the days leading up to their period, which can cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness. Cramps: Abdominal cramps can occur…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Featured

Recipes to manage PCOS, approved by nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Vegan Banana Cupcakes

A light, fluffy and delicious preparation that makes for a perfect guilt-free dessert.

9 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Lobia Curry

A tangy and delicious Punjabi style curry made with black eyed beans. This simple yet flavorful vegan and gluten-free curry is perfect to be served with chappati or rice.

13 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Red Lentil Soup

A quick and easy to prepare soup with the goodness of plant protein.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

ABC Smoothie

A refreshing vibrant smoothie that is as easy as A B C to prepare

7 INGREDIENTS

|

10 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Oats Tikki

A nutritious snack made with the goodness of oats, paneer, beans and carrots along with a host of spices. A perfect blend of health and taste.

9 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Ragi Oats Cheela

A fulfiling and delicious savory crepe

9 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Ragi Spinach Wrap

A modern take on spinach and fibre rich favourite

9 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

View all