Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women differently. The combination and severity of symptoms can vary from woman to woman. A woman who has PMS may have months where symptoms are more severe and disruptive and other months where her symptoms are far less noticeable.
PMS can affect both a woman's psychological and physical state:
The most frequent psychological symptoms of PMS include:
- Anger and irritability
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Depression
- Crying
- Oversensitivity
- Exaggerated mood swings
The most frequent physical signs and symptoms of PMS include:
- Fatigue
- Bloating (due to fluid retention)
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Sleep disturbances with sleeping too much or too little (insomnia)
- Appetite changes with overeating or food craving
There are certain conditions that can mimic the symptoms of PMS. These include:
- Depression
- Cyclic water retention (idiopathic oedema)
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
If your symptoms are affecting your ability to go about your daily life as normal, consult your doctor. While PMS cannot be eliminated altogether, there are strategies you can implement to manage your condition.
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