“Don’t talk to me and don’t piss me off – I’m premenstrual!”

“Jeez, she’s a bit bitchy – must be PMS!”

I am sure you have heard similar phrases uttered by various people at some stage or another. It can even be a bit if a running joke at playgroup or around the workplace to describe a woman’s shocking mood. But, PMS is not always a laughing matter (especially for those who suffer it) and it can become quite debilitating for some.

What is PMS?

Basically PMS is used to describe a group of various symptoms experienced by up to 90% of women sometime in the 2 weeks before their menstrual period is due. With some women, these symptoms can be few and not too severe, but for others, the symptoms can be debilitating enough to cause illness and disruption to normal life. No-one really knows exactly what the cause is but it is possibly linked with hormonal changes in the body just prior to menstruation. Some of the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS include (and they are varied):

• Abdominal bloating and fluid retention
• Acne
• Anxiety
• Depression and lowered mood
• Difficulties in concentration
• Digestive problems, including constipation and diarrhoea
• Drop in self-esteem and confidence
• Drop in libido, or (occasionally) an increase
• Feelings of loneliness and paranoia
• Food cravings
• Headache and migraine
• Hot flushes or sweats
• Increased appetite
• Irritability, including angry outbursts
• Mood swings and teariness
• Nausea
• Sleep changes, including insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Swollen and tender breasts
• Weight increase

Many of these symptoms can even be similar to the symptoms felt in early pregnancy! PMS can be a mere annoyance to some women, but if they get to the point where they take over your life and you can’t function normally, then it’s time to see a GP to get some treatment.

Management of PMS

Here are some suggested ways to manage PMS symptoms – they may work for some and not others, but they are worth a try.

• Essential Oils – some which can help alleviate symptoms include: chamomile, lemon balm, clary sage, geranium, lavender, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang. You can choose two or three of these and add a few drops of each to a bath, massage oil or oil burner (make sure you check our guide to essential oil safety first!)
• Complimentary Treatments –  treatments such as bach flower remedies, remedial massage, acupuncture and reiki may be effective.
• Lifestyle Change – reduce use of cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol during the two weeks before your period; get plenty of exercise and sleep; eat more fresh fruit and veggies and reduce sugar, salt and fat in your diet.
• Take Supplements – there are many supplements recommended by GPs, pharmacists and naturopaths which can help reduce PMS symptoms – these include: evening primrose oil, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, or chasteberry (chaste tree) extract.
• Medical Treatment – in severe cases, prescribed medications are required – these include oral contraceptive pills or mood stabilisers and antidepressants.

In my own experience, PMS is not something you have to put up with. It is worth looking at all the different options until you find the right one for you. PMS can be life altering and incredibly annoying, but you can do something about it. I have suffered PMS for years and have tried many different options, some which have worked and some which haven’t. The best thing I can recommend is that you keep a detailed diary of your symptoms and the treatment options you have tried so that you have some information for your doctor or naturopath. Then you can work forward from there!

Information Reference: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms please see your doctor or we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice –  http://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication.