Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Is it a Myth
Just like men may suffer from severe conditions that can inhibit their lives and cause them tremendous difficulty in their daily lives, women also may have problems. These problems may be related to the physiological make up. Sometimes, problems such as these may be taken to be a myth. However, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome cannot simply be put down as a myth. This is because of the fact that it is a real condition that many women suffer.
The symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome are real enough as an immense amount of time has been spent on its research. Research in this direction still continues in order to identify the symptoms of PMS as it has been a subject of interest since the 19th century.
According to research, it is known that most women are known to experience PMS symptoms like discomfort before their menstrual periods. This is something that is considered to be very normal. However, a significant number of women tend to suffer from PMS symptoms that are more intense, though not of the disabling kind. These may be short-termed ones.
PMS symptoms are known to occur about a week or two prior and end with the beginning or a few days after the menstrual period.
The PMS Symptoms Include
The symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman and there is no definite way of determining how severely an individual could be affected.
Stomach upset, swelling, diarrhea or constipation
Headaches
Changes in anxiety or depression or food cravings
Breast swelling and tenderness
Anxiety or depression
Fatigue and trouble sleeping
Joint or muscle pain
Stress, irritability, mood swings
Lack of concentration
It is thought that pre-menstrual syndrome might be associated with changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in women. However, the exact causes have not been determined.
The Following are Suggested Causes of PMS
Progesterone- estrogen imbalance
Hyperprolactinemia (over- secretion of prolactin)
Excessive aldosterone, or ADH (this controls the sodium, chloride, and potassium metabolism)
Carbohydrate metabolic changes
Sodium and water retention by the kidneys
Hypoglycemia
Allergy to progesterone
Psychogenic factors
Serotonin, a brain chemical
Diet low in calcium, vitamins and magnesium
With the number of researches and the symptoms of PMS, it could be said that PMS is not a myth. It is a genuine problem that is faced by a large number of women all over the world in particular days.
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