‘Premenstrual Syndrome’ ‘Premenstrual syndrome’, commonly referred to in its abbreviated form ‘PMS’ is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior, prior to the start of the menstrual cycle. PMS is a very common condition that might affect up to 85% of menstruating women. The symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before menstruation and typically revolves around the start of bleeding. PMS occurs after ovulation, as the level of estrogen and progesterone begins to decrease significantly. What are the signs and symptoms of PMS? PMS consists of a series of recurrent physical and emotional symptoms. The common physical symptoms include fatigue, abdominal cramp, tenderness in the breasts, cyclic acne, joint or muscle pain, and food cravings, etc. Psychological complaints like stress, depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are also encountered during PMS.

What needs to be done? Lifestyle modification can be an approach to reduce the symptoms. The following can be maintained to relieve PMS:
-Personal hygiene.
-Take adequate rest.
-Use a hot water bag on the lower abdomen to reduce cramping.
-Avoid stressful works.
-choose healthy food options.

By Shushmita Prithu