Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) manifests itself in a variety of ways, including mood swings, sore breasts, food cravings, exhaustion, irritability, and despair. It is estimated that up to three out of every four menstruation women have had some sort of premenstrual syndrome.

Symptoms tend to repeat themselves in a regular sequence. However, the physical and emotional changes associated with premenstrual syndrome can range from barely apparent to overwhelming.

Still, you don't have to allow these issues to take over your life. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help you decrease or manage premenstrual syndrome symptoms. 

Premenstrual syndrome is diagnosed in what way?

There is no PMS test. PMS is diagnosed based on your symptoms.

It might be difficult to identify if your symptoms are caused by PMS or by other disorders such as anxiety or sadness. Your health care expert may advise you to keep a record of your symptoms for a few months. It is the occurrence of the symptoms, not their kind or type that suggests PMS.

If you have PMS, you may experience

Symptoms appear around two weeks after ovulation (when an egg is released from an ovary each month), which occurs about two weeks before the start of a period. Symptoms typically appear five days before menstruation.

However, some women experience symptoms for two weeks or more before their period. As the period approaches, symptoms usually worsen progressively.

Symptoms disappear three to four days after your menstruation begins.

Diagnosis

There are no distinguishing physical features or lab tests that may be used to definitively identify premenstrual syndrome. If a symptom is part of your predictable pre-menstrual regimen, your health care expert can attribute it to PMS.

Your health care expert may ask you to record your signs and symptoms on a calendar or in a diary for at least two menstrual cycles to help create a premenstrual pattern. Take note of the day you initially notice PMS symptoms, as well as the day they go away. Make a note of the days your period begins and finishes.

Certain diseases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid abnormalities, and mood disorders such as sadness and anxiety, might mimic PMS.

To help offer a firm diagnosis, your healthcare expert may request tests such as thyroid function tests or mood screening tests.

What are the PMS treatments?

The therapy of PMS might be just as difficult as the diagnosis of PMS. This ailment has been treated using a variety of ways. Some measures lack a solid scientific foundation but appear to benefit some women. Other treatments with a strong scientific foundation may not benefit all patients.

A healthy lifestyle is part of general management, and it includes

1. Exercise
2. During the premenstrual phase, emotional assistance is provided.
3. Before your menstrual period, limit your intake of salt.
4. Caffeine consumption should be reduced prior to menstruation.
5. Quitting smoking
6. Alcohol consumption should be restricted.
7. Reducing your intake of processed sugar

All of the aforementioned have been suggested and may help some women's symptoms. Furthermore, some research suggests that calcium and magnesium supplements may be beneficial.
 

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