Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Mate i mua i te mate marama
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name for the physical and emotional symptoms you might experience in the 1 to 2 weeks leading up to your period. Most women experience PMS at some time during their lives.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
You might have mild symptoms or severe ones. They can also vary from month to month. You may have some or all of the symptoms.
The most common emotional symptoms include:
- mood swings, such as feeling irritable, angry or upset
- feeling anxious
- feeling tired
- difficulty sleeping.
The most common physical symptoms include:
- a bloated tummy or tummy pain
- tender breasts
- headaches
- back pain
- spotty skin.
The symptoms usually go away once your period starts and stop for good once you have completed menopause.
Self care for premenstrual syndrome
You can manage or reduce your symptoms by:
- being physically active
- eating well and limiting how much alcohol you drink
- using relaxation techniques such as calming breathing, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation to help with stress and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms
- getting enough sleep
- taking simple pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
A number of supplements and herbal remedies are suggested for PMS but there is not much evidence to show they are helpful. If you decide to try one, let your healthcare provider know as some can react with other medicines.
Treatment
If you are struggling to deal with PMS, see your healthcare provider to talk about your options.
They might talk to you about:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other talking therapies
- prescription hormonal therapy like the combined contraception pill and topical hormones (oestrogen with progesterone).
- some forms of antidepressants (SSRIs).
If you have very severe symptoms not responding to treatment you may be referred to a women's health specialist (gynaecologist) for other options.