Premenstrual Syndrome - FAQs
How do I know if I have PMS?
You will start experiencing PMS symptoms usually five to seven days before your menstrual period. The most common symptoms include mood swings, tender breasts, depression, food cravings, bloating, feeling tired, irritability and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, if they happen during the week before your period starts and go away when your period arrives, or a few days later, you may have PMS.
As there are so many possible symptoms of PMS, it is a good idea to keep track of them. Remember to note if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Use a period and symptom tracker for two to three months and bring it to your doctor’s attention. A record of your symptoms can help our healthcare providers figure out the best treatment choices for you.
As there are so many possible symptoms of PMS, it is a good idea to keep track of them. Remember to note if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Use a period and symptom tracker for two to three months and bring it to your doctor’s attention. A record of your symptoms can help our healthcare providers figure out the best treatment choices for you.
Does PMS decrease with menopause?
PMS symptoms usually cease when women are post-menopausal, typically one or two years after the final menstrual period. This is because the hormonal fluctuations that trigger the symptoms eventually settle down completely.
Can PMS be treated?
If PMS symptoms begin to interfere with your life, you should get yourself checked by our doctors as early as possible. The duration of treatment would entirely depend on the severity of your symptoms. However, PMS is certainly treatable and you can be relieved of all your symptoms with our treatment.
If I am suffering from other medical conditions, can PMS make my symptoms worse?
In addition to depression and anxiety, symptoms of other disorders can get worse right before your period due to PMS. Examples include migraine, asthma and allergies.
Someone told me that regular caffeine might cause PMS. Is this true?
High caffeine consumption has been associated with an increased incidence of PMS. It may make breast tenderness worse for some women. It is better to limit the consumption of caffeine.
Is it possible to ignore PMS? Or will this adversely affect my health?
It is not advisable to ignore PMS; in fact, you won’t be able to ignore it, as the symptoms will leave you tired, weak and lethargic all day long. You may not feel like working, and your intellect, creativity, and skills may lack vigour. This may lead to decreased productivity and may also compromise your family life. Do not ignore those pains and get yourself treated as early as possible.
Myths and facts
- PMS is the same as your period.
Some people seem to confuse it with the state of actually experiencing a period, when in reality, it refers to the time before the actual period. PMS symptoms start 5 to 11 days before menstruation and typically go away once menstruation begins. - PMS just means bad moods.
That is not true. Symptoms of PMS vary in type, intensity and duration from patient to patient. Apart from bad moods, one may also suffer physical (weight gain, bloated feeling, breast tenderness, fatigue, acne, etc.) and mental (irritability, aggression, crying spells) symptoms.