Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Signs of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can include: from sky-high to sad to death, from energetic to tired and unfocused – the monthly ups and downs of hormones cause many women to experience fluctuations in their physical and mental well-being. The days leading up to the period are not the best for many women.

PMS: What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is a whole complex of complaints – both physical and psychological – and leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life for many women. The complaints always occur in the second half of the cycle, the so-called luteal phase. They begin 10 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation, worsen until the onset of the period, and then disappear on the first or second day of menstruation.

PMS: symptoms and signs

PMS encompasses a range of more than 150 symptoms, which can vary in frequency and intensity. They are divided into psychological and physical symptoms. These PMS symptoms manifest themselves in complaints such as:

  • Irritability, mood swings.
  • Depressive moods, anxiety
  • Sleep and concentration disorders
  • Water retention (in the ankles and eyelids).
  • Feeling of tension in the breasts
  • Headache
  • Cravings
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence
  • Acne

Some women are plagued by only one or two of the PMS symptoms, others by a dozen of the PMS symptoms. Depending on the severity of PMS symptoms, there may be recurring conflicts in partnership, family and work during this period. Fortunately, the discomfort stops again with the onset of menstruation.

Causes in premenstrual syndrome

To date, the causes of PMS have not been clarified. However, given the variety of symptoms, it is unlikely that only one trigger can be considered. Discussed as possible triggers are:

PMS: treatment of the syndrome

In general, PMS can already be controlled by a balanced diet with intake of unsaturated fatty acids, avoidance of caffeine, chocolate, nicotine and alcohol and increased physical activity (sufficient exercise). Magnesium, vitamin B6 (in doses of up to 100 mg per day) and zinc have proven effective as dietary supplements.

To improve the often very unpleasant psychological symptoms of PMS, additional relaxation measures such as yoga or autogenic training can ease the “critical days ahead” for those affected.

A dry extract of monk’s pepper is suitable as an effective and well-tolerated alternative for women with premenstrual syndrome. Monk’s pepper (Agnus castus) is said to have a gestagen-like effect, which leads to a harmonization of the hormonal balance. Especially complaints such as nervousness, irritability, water retention or tightness of the breasts respond well to monk’s pepper. Agnus castus is mainly used in herbal form and is contained in numerous combination preparations that can bring about a significant improvement in complaints.

PMDS: PMS in its most severe form.

However, more than 5 percent of women have such severe symptoms that their quality of life is enormously restricted and they require medical treatment. They suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDS), the most severe form of PMS. Depending on the severity, a wide variety of medications are used as drug therapy, for example psychotropic drugs, diuretic drugs, painkillers, but also monk’s pepper. If massive psychological complaints occur, additional psychological care may also be useful.