You wake up on a Monday morning, all groggy and slightly annoyed. When you turn
into the kitchen and head for your daily coffee, you catch your reflection in the mirror
and notice a pimple that seemingly sprouted overnight. Sighing, you wonder what’s
wrong with your body this time. And just at the point when you think you have
finally gathered yourself well, PMS hits you yet again.
Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is like an uninvited guest who refuses
to leave. This is that unique mix of physical and emotional stuff that women get just
before their periods start. The hormonal changes are to be thanked for your monthly
ride of discomfort with that annoying habit of catching us unaware.
Now, let's dive into the symptoms of PMS, so you can check off the ones that make
you go, "Yep, been there, done that."
- Irritability and Mood Swings: All of a sudden even the slightest disadvantage makes you a grouchy bear. You start getting irritated with your family or crying over a commercial.
- Trouble Sleeping: You shift in bed, fighting anxiety and a busy mind.
- Anxiety: It's as if you had this little cloud of concern constantly following you around. Your smallest worry becomes the world's biggest problem; for example, the deadline in your office to whether you turned off the TV.
- Bloating and Fluid Build-up: Your favourite pair of jeans is now quite irritating to wear, and you have a newfound appreciation for loose-fitting clothes.
- Constipation or Diarrhoea: Oh, the joys of gastrointestinal fluctuations. Your gut appears to make the decisions; either not cooperating willingly or working too hard.
- Backache or Headache: You almost feel like a goblin has moved into your lower back and every step feels like a mini struggle. And that is not the last of the troubles: you have a constant headache haunting you from morning until evening.
- Tender Breasts: You did not know that even with the slightest touch, uncomfortable shockwaves would go through your chest.
- Forgetfulness and Trouble Concentrating: You see your gaze focusing on the computer screen blankly, as you try to revive your memory of the few seconds ago.
- Acne: The moment you thought that teenage breakouts were behind you, all of a sudden the face has decided to gift you an unexpected visit from an unknown enemy. Thanks, hormones.
- Food Cravings: Your cravings intensify so much that you’re almost sure your taste buds have formed a union with your hormones.
Now, you are wondering what truly causes this swirling of symptoms. Actually, no
one is really sure. PMS, reportedly, is connected with the hormonal changes that are
present in the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, PMS is not triggered by stress or
psychological issues, although those can aggravate the symptoms.
The question is, how can one manage PMS? Here are a few tips:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for rest and for activities that calm you. Is it relaxing or walking, or settling down with your favourite book, take a self-care during the time.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure you consume nutrient-rich foods in all your meals i.e. fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercise Regularly: Practising physical activity produces endorphins that improve your mood and minimise pain. Pick activities you like, be it dancing, yoga or a brisk walk.
- Stay Hydrated: Consuming enough water can help in the elimination of excessive fluid and bloating. And remember to have that bottle of water close at hand and keep sipping from it all day long.
- Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms are serious and affect your normal functioning, consult your healthcare professional. They can suggest suitable treatments or lifestyle changes as a management of your PMS symptoms.
Remember, you are not fighting the monthly war by yourself. PMS is something that
millions of women experience, and it's perfectly normal to have a love-hate
relationship with it. Accept the fact that your body is always in a state of transition,
and show yourself some kindness throughout this time. Therefore, when PMS strikes
you with all its surprises, just take a big breath, put on your comfiest pyjamas, and
remember that you've got this.