PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. While most women of child-bearing age have some premenstrual symptoms,women with PMS have symptoms of sufficient severity to interfere with some aspects of life. For some women with PMS, the symptoms are so severe that they are considered disabling. This form of PMS has its own psychiatric designation: premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

PMS is a set of hormonal changes that trigger a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms in women. These symptoms can range from anger and irritability, to abdominal cramping and breast tenderness, to food cravings. PMS generally occurs between 7 to 14 days before menstruation  and then stops once menstruation begins. It can only occur during a woman's childbearing years.

There are more than 150 different symptoms associated with PMS, so it is often difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms and how severe they are vary from person to person and from month to month. Most women with premenstrual syndrome experience only a few of the problems. The most common symptoms include:

• abdominal bloating
• weight gain from premenstrual water retention
• depression
• stress or anxiety
• mood swings, irritability or anger
• breast tenderness
• crying spells
• insomnia
• joint or muscle pain
• headache
• fatigue
• acne
• trouble concentrating
• social withdrawal
• body temperature increase
• worsening of existing skin disorders, and respiratory (eg, allergies, infection) or eye (eg, visual disturbances, conjunctivitis) problems
• changes in sex drive (increased or decreased libido)
• food cravings (especially for carbohydrates, chocolate and other sweets).

The exact causes of PMS are not fully understood. However, it seems resulting from a combination of hormonal changes, genetics, nutrition and psychological factors.
The main factors linked to PMS include:

• hormones levels, i.e. increased/decreased levels of oestrogens, progesterone, and cortisol
• genetic
• neurotrasmitters in the brain
• nutrition (deficiency of calcium and magnesium or low blood sugar).

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.