PMS

Anyone who knows me knows I have a terrible time during that lovely time of the month. When I was younger it was easy breezy...no problems and no crazy emotions. However, as I've gotten older it kills me and I become crazy. Anyways point is in going to school I've realized that there is a real diagnosis for this. I knew that some people like me had a difficult time each month but I did not realize that there are real disorders for it. Well I'm pretty sure I have it. Let me explain more about the disorders.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) takes place about 5 to 11 days before a woman's cycle. Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• headache
• tender breasts
• abdominal bloating
• swelling of hands or feet
• nausea
• depression
• irritability
• mood swings
• anxiety
• social withdrawal
• clumsiness
• constipation or diarrhea
• food cravings
• intolerance for lights or noises
• confusion
• difficulty focusing or concentrating
• forgetfulness
• sleeping problems, either too much or not enough

A person is diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome when they experience one to five of these symptoms in two consecutive luteal phases (or second half of their menstrual cycle) and the symptoms are so intense that they disrupt work and/or one's social life. Approximately 5-10% of women experience this.

The second disorder related to this lovely time of month is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This is more severe than PMS. It is diagnosed when five or more PMS symptoms occur in two consecutive menstrual cycles. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder usually takes place a week before and symptoms lessen once the period begins.

For those that experience either one of these disorders it can be much like a rollercoaster due to the many physical and emotional changes occurring in response to hormone changes.

...Oh the perks of being a girl. Isn't it wonderful. Luckily there are things a person can do to lessen these symptoms.

Watch for a later post on what one can do to lessen the symptoms.

"Premenstrual Syndrome". PubMed Health. 16 June 2010. Web 17 May 2012. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002474/)