Premenstrual Syndrome

Periods, menses, menorrhoea and many other names — sometimes rather creative ones — for every woman's monthly appointment between puberty and the post-menopause. To prepare for this week of menstruation, the body gets ready in a very specific way, and these changes often manifest as symptoms that range from mildly inconvenient to quite disruptive — what we call premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome: a biological alarm

This syndrome, often abbreviated to "PMS", is characterised by a set of physical and psychological symptoms that are not in themselves serious, but are linked to the menstrual cycle. The body is as extraordinary as it is mysterious, and this syndrome still has no precise explanation to this day. We do know, however, that it is closely linked to the hormonal changes that take place during this period in which the woman's body is, to put it plainly, put through its paces.

What are the possible symptoms?

Symptoms can vary greatly from one woman to another — while some (lucky) women have none at all. Here are some symptoms that may occur, generally between 7 and 2 days before your period:

• Mood swings, irritability
• Bloating, stomach cramps
• Hot flushes
• Constipation or, conversely, diarrhoea
• Low blood pressure, lack of energy, and fatigue
• Breakouts of acne
• Headaches
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Insomnia
• Restlessness, clumsiness, and sometimes low mood

How to manage this syndrome more calmly?

Medication may be considered for some women who have conditions and/or disorders such as epilepsy, which can in fact be aggravated by premenstrual syndrome. In such cases, it will be important to identify the symptoms you are experiencing in order to find a suitable remedy. Here, however, are a few tips to help ease these symptoms:

• Eat healthily and drink plenty of water
• Cut out alcohol, smoking, and other substances harmful to the body
• Get enough sleep
• Limit caffeine, salt, and sugar intake
• Certain dietary supplements may be helpful. Speak to your GP.

Premenstrual syndrome will not disappear entirely, but it can be significantly reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stay strong, ladies!