Premenstrual syndrome

AKA:

PMS

What is it?

A combination of physical (body) and psychological (mind) symptoms that happen in the days leading up to our monthly bleed.

No two women's PMS is the same. But we may get:

Mind: Emotional, irritable, anxious, depressed
Body: Bloated, acne, headaches, backache, sore breasts

The only good news? PMS goes once our period starts. Just in time for the menstrual cramps and leaks. Marvellous.

Period factoid 95% of us will get symptoms before our period. About 5% of us get them badly enough to have PMS.

What causes it?

No one knows for sure. But it has something to do with hormones that build up inside us before we bleed.

How do I know if I have it?

Keep a diary of how you feel for three months.
Ask yourself:

Have I got some of the problems listed in the box (above)?
Do I notice the same problems happening each month, before my period?
Are the symptoms enough to interfere with my life (stop me doing stuff)?

If you answer 'Yes' to these then you have PMS.

What to do?

Exercise
I'm serious. Women who exercise regularly get less PMS. As well as glowing skin and a cute butt. So dig out that yoga mat. Or those trainers.

Diet
Make sure you're not eating too much salt or high-fat, processed foods. And if you're not hitting Five-a-Day for fresh fruit and veg, now is the time to start.

Vitamins
Some women swear by Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin B6 supplements. Talk to your Pharmacist. As long as you can afford them (they're not cheap) and you follow the instructions - they're probably worth a try.

Medicines
The Pill works wonders for PMS so if you're thinking about contraception why not kill two birds with one stone? Talk to your doctor. They'll have other advice up their sleeve to help too.

Further help and advice

http://www.pms.org.uk/About+PMS
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=295

Written by Dr Melissa Sayer

Last updated 17th June 2007

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