Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is a combination of symptoms that women get a week or two before their periods. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but the most important thing is to find relief for these symptoms when they occur. Here’s what you should know.

Here are common signs and symptoms related to PMS. This is not an exhaustive list.

PMS manifests in both physical and emotional symptoms that occur after ovulation and before the start of a woman’s period. This is believed to happen because estrogen and progesterone (the two most essential hormones in the female body) levels begin falling dramatically if you are not pregnant. Around 75% of women say they experience PMS symptoms at some point in their lifetime. However, for most women, the symptoms they experience are relatively mild.

If you believe that you’re suffering from PMS, doctors often suggest keeping a menstrual diary as a diagnostic tool. This helps to document physical and emotional symptoms over a few months so you can identify a pattern. Your symptoms will often occur around ovulation and then persist until your itself begins. This can help ensure a proper diagnosis as well as promote a better understanding of your body. Because PMS often mimics other illnesses, this can help alleviate the worry of misdiagnosis.

Finding relief for PMS often comes down to the general management of a healthy lifestyle. This means exercising regularly, seeking emotional support during your premenstrual period, restricting salt before the menstrual period, decreasing caffeine intake before menstruation, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake, and reducing refined sugar intake. Your doctor may also recommend additional vitamins or medications depending on specific needs. Our bodies are all different, and we should embrace our uniqueness. That’s why we provide tailored products for each woman.