PMS - A Nasty Word!
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) has become a very common word to describe a woman’s sour attitude on any given day, mostly used by people who probably do not have PMS or understand its affects. It is a real issue and affects women of all ages. Symptoms of PMS seem to occur when young women begin their menstrual periods, and for some us, it only ends after menopause.
Although it may be true that some of us do act a little grouchy during certain times of our month, it does not give others the right to automatically use PMS as a reason for someone’s attitude or actions. Women also have to be careful to not always use PMS as an excuse for acting grouchy and taking things out others when there are steps we personally can take to lessen the symptoms of PMS.
Symptoms of PMS may include anxiety, depression, nervous tension, food cravings, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations, water retention, breast tenderness and bloating. These symptoms occur because estrogen and progesterone become out of balance with each other. There are certain lifestyle factors that can influence the severity or the longevity of PMS such as diet, exercise, stress, or consuming too much caffeine.
Since some women suffer with more severe symptoms it may be necessary for them to use more than one or two relief measures to make a difference. Be sure to check with your doctor if lifestyle changes alone do not help the symptoms, because there may be a natural remedy or prescription medication that might help ease the severe symptoms.
By reducing the sugary, salty and greasy foods, as well as caffeine in our diets it usually lessens the severity and duration of the PMS. Also, regular exercise and a reduction of stress help bring things into a better balance. Not only will a few lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms and help you feel better overall, it may make it so that your family, friends and co-workers won’t be able to use PMS talk to describe you.
