Everyday life

PMS: causes and symptoms at a glance

PMS affects many women and manifests itself in the second half of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms can occur up to two weeks before your period. The symptoms usually disappear when the period begins.

There are around 150 different PMS symptoms. Over 75% of women experience these symptoms. A third of those affected experience severe symptoms.

Typical physical symptoms include breast, abdominal and headaches. Psychological changes such as mood swings also occur. The symptoms vary from woman to woman.

Key findings

  • PMS occurs in the second half of the cycle
  • Over 150 different symptoms are known
  • More than 75% of women experience PMS symptoms
  • Physical and psychological symptoms can occur in combination
  • The severity of symptoms varies greatly from person to person

What is PMS

PMS means premenstrual syndrome. It includes symptoms that women experience before their period. These can be physical or psychological.

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Occurrence and duration of symptoms

PMS symptoms often begin days before menstruation. They usually disappear with the onset of menstruation. The symptoms last between two and 14 days.

Frequency in women

PMS is very common. At least 50% of women of childbearing age have premenstrual symptoms. Around a third feel restricted in their everyday life as a result.

Difference between PMS and PMDS

PMDS stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is a more severe form of PMS. PMDS affects about 3-8% of women.

The symptoms of PMDS are particularly severe. They have a massive impact on daily life.

Characteristic PMS PMDS
Frequency At least 50% of women 3-8% of women
Severity Mild to moderate Severe
Impact on everyday life Slight restrictions Severe impairment

PMS is normal for many women. The symptoms can vary in severity. PMDS is the most severe form.

Hormonal changes as the main trigger

Hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The causes are not fully understood. Studies show that the symptoms can be attributed to several factors.

Oestrogen and progesterone in the cycle

The tendency to PMS increases in the second half of the cycle. The progesterone level increases, while the oestrogen level decreases. This can lead to changes in the electrolyte and fluid balance.

Interactions with neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, serotonin levels decrease steadily. It drops rapidly shortly before menstruation.

Researchers are discussing a possible interaction between progesterone and serotonin. This could explain the PMS symptoms.

Influence on melatonin levels

Melatonin levels play an important role in PMS. In the second half of the cycle, it rises later and less strongly. This can disrupt the sleep rhythm and lead to sleep problems.

Hormone Change in the second half of the cycle Possible effects
Oestrogen drop Mood swings, irritability
Progesterone increase Water retention, breast tenderness
Serotonin decrease Depressive moods, ravenous appetite
Melatonin Delayed increase Sleep disorders, tiredness

The hormonal changes explain the many PMS symptoms. They have an effect on neurotransmitters. Further research is needed to understand the exact connections.

With a better understanding, new treatment options can be developed. This could help many women who suffer from PMS.

Physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

PMS brings with it many physical symptoms. These can vary in severity from woman to woman. Over 80% of women experience mild symptoms before their period.

Around 12% suffer from severe PMS. The symptoms occur in the second half of the cycle. They subside with the onset of menstruation.

Physical PMS symptoms

  • Headaches
  • breast tenderness
  • water retention
  • Digestive problems
  • sleep disorders
  • Skin blemishes
  • food cravings

The severity of the symptoms varies greatly. Some women only experience mild symptoms. Around 25% report severe symptoms that disrupt everyday life.

PMS symptom Frequency Possible relief
Headache Very common Sufficient sleep, stress reduction
Breast tenderness Frequently Sports bra, cool compresses
Water retention Very common Potassium-rich diet, exercise
Digestive problems Frequently High-fiber diet, probiotics

Calcium and vitamin B6 can alleviate PMS symptoms. They help in the last phase of the cycle. Spironolactone also helps with breast pain and water retention.

Psychological signs and mood swings

PMS has a strong influence on the body and psyche. Many women experience intense emotional changes. These can have a considerable impact on everyday life.

Emotional changes

Mood swings are a common symptom of PMS. Women report sudden outbursts of emotion such as sadness, irritability or anger. Around 30 out of 100 women suffer from more severe PMS symptoms.

Effects on everyday life

Emotional changes can have a major impact on quality of life. Difficulty concentrating and exhaustion often make it difficult to work or study.

In 5% to 7% of women, the symptoms are particularly intense. They can hardly fulfill their daily obligations.

Social challenges

PMS can affect social life. Relationships with family, friends and colleagues can suffer. Many women feel misunderstood or withdraw.

PMS symptom Frequency Impact
Mood swings Very common Strong emotional stress
Concentration problems Frequently Impairment at work/study
Social isolation Occasionally Strain on relationships

Mood swings with PMS

These symptoms are part of normal hormonal changes. With knowledge and support, women can cope better. In this way, they can improve their quality of life during PMS.

Scientific findings on PMS triggers

PMS symptoms affect around 50-80% of menstruating women. Despite years of research, the exact causes are still unclear. Ethnic origin and socio-economic status do not appear to play a role.

Recent studies show a complex interplay of various factors. Hormonal fluctuations are particularly important. Hormonal fluctuations are involved in 90% of PMDS cases.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are also being researched. Diet and lifestyle also influence the symptoms.

A study of 3000 women produced interesting results. Fewer cigarettes, alcohol and coffee led to fewer PMS symptoms. Regular exercise also helped.

Magnesium can reduce the risk of PMS by 20%. This is shown by current research results.

PMS aspect Scientific findings
Frequency 50-80% of menstruating women
Genetic component Higher probability in mothers and daughters
Hormonal factors 90% involvement in PMDS
Effect of magnesium 20% risk reduction

PMS research continues. Scientists are investigating the interactions between hormones, neurotransmitters and environmental factors. The aim is to gain a better understanding of this complex disorder.

Effective treatment options

PMS treatments are based on individual symptoms. Mild symptoms can often be alleviated by lifestyle changes. These changes can already bring noticeable improvements.

Changes in lifestyle habits

Regular exercise helps with PMS symptoms. Moderate endurance sports can reduce cravings and mood swings. A reduction in salt improves water retention in many women.

Drug therapies

Hormonal contraceptives can effectively reduce PMS symptoms. However, some users report side effects. In severe cases, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used.

Alternative treatment methods

Monk’s pepper is often used to treat breast tenderness. St. John’s wort helps with psychological PMS symptoms. Magnesium supplements can alleviate physical symptoms for many sufferers.

Treatment method Effectiveness Area of application
Exercise Effective Mood, cravings
Salt reduction 30-50% improvement Water retention
Hormonal contraception Effective, 35% side effects General PMS symptoms
SSRIs Effective for severe PMS Mood-related symptoms
Monk’s pepper 50% effectiveness Breast tenderness

Conclusion

PMS affects around 75% of women and often impairs their quality of life. The symptoms range from mood swings to physical complaints. They usually occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Effective PMS management can significantly improve quality of life. A balanced diet plays a key role in this. Fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products can alleviate symptoms.

Experts recommend reducing salt, sugar and caffeine. Regular exercise and stress reduction through meditation also help. Medical advice is important if symptoms persist or are severe.

A vital substance and hormone analysis can enable targeted treatments. Hormone therapies or alternative methods such as osteopathy are possible options. With the right approach, PMS can be managed effectively.

FAQ

What exactly does PMS mean?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It describes physical and psychological complaints in women before menstruation. The symptoms begin 7-14 days before and end with the onset of menstruation.

How common is PMS in women?

PMS is very common. Around 75-80% of all women of childbearing age are affected. The severity of the symptoms can vary greatly.

What is the difference between PMS and PMDS?

PMDS is a severe form of PMS. It significantly affects everyday life. PMDS affects about 3-8% of women of childbearing age.

Which hormones play a role in PMS?

Oestrogen and progesterone are the main players in PMS. Their fluctuations influence various bodily functions. Serotonin and melatonin also play an important role.

What are the typical physical symptoms of PMS?

Common PMS symptoms are breast tenderness, bloating and water retention. Headaches, fatigue, acne and digestive problems can also occur. The symptoms vary from woman to woman.

What psychological symptoms occur with PMS?

Typical psychological symptoms are mood swings and irritability. Anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating can also occur. These changes often affect everyday life and relationships.

Is there a clear cause of PMS?

The exact causes of PMS are still unclear. Experts suspect a combination of several factors. These include hormones, genes, diet and lifestyle.

How can PMS be treated?

There are various treatment options for PMS. These include lifestyle changes, medication and alternative healing methods. The choice depends on the individual symptoms.

Can PMS be prevented?

PMS cannot be completely prevented. However, certain lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. These include a healthy diet, exercise and reducing stress. A symptom diary can help to identify patterns.

When should I see a doctor about PMS symptoms?

Seek medical help if PMS is severely affecting your quality of life. A visit to the doctor is also advisable if PMDS is suspected. A gynecologist can help you with diagnosis and treatment.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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