Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Types of Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is broadly classified into 4 types based on the type of symptoms and their underlying cause. These are:

• PMS-A (Anxiety) - It is marked by a feeling of emotional overwhelm, increased irritability and breakdowns.
• PMS-D (Depression) - It is marked by emotional overwhelm, accompanied by fatigue and confusion. 
• PMS-C (Cravings) - It is marked by an unusual increase in appetite, along with fatigue and headaches
• PMS-H (Hydration) - It is marked by increased water retention that leads to breast tenderness and bloating

When should you consider seeing our experts?

Premenstrual syndrome can give rise to a variety of different symptoms which vary from one woman to another. You may experience symptoms ranging from mild to moderate, some of which can drastically impact the quality of your life.

Common symptoms, that most women complain of, include:

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Irritability and anger
• Emotional upsurge/Outbursts
• Unusual food cravings
• Altered sleep cycle
• Bloating and cramps
• Tender and swollen breasts
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Reduced sex drive

What causes Premenstrual Syndrome?

PMS has no established cause, however, there are many factors that could be responsible for it.  These include:

• Fluctuation in oestrogen and progesterone levels due to your monthly cycles 
• Chemical changes in the brain triggered by hormonal imbalance 
• Existing problems related to mental health 
• Lifestyle factors like inadequate sleep, unhealthy diet and smoking 

Some studies also point towards the link between alcohol intake and PMS, with the risks being higher among women who drink on a regular basis. 

Managing PMS symptoms at home 

Lifestyle modifications can help to relieve some of the PMS symptoms. Here are some of these, highly recommended by our experts at Surya Hospital.

• Increase your fluid intake to help with the bloating
• Eat a balanced diet, that includes fruits and vegetables
• Lower sugar, salt and caffeine intake 
• Cut down on alcohol intake
• Consider supplements like calcium, magnesium and folic acid
• Increase your Vitamin D intake
• Improve your sleep cycle
• Stay physically active for at least half an hour, every day
• Prioritise self-care 
• Heat therapy with a hot water bottle 

How we diagnose you

There is no specific test for PMS. Our experts may ask you to keep track of your cycle by maintaining a diary to follow your symptoms over multiple menstrual cycles. 

This helps our team determine if your symptoms are due to your menstrual cycle or whether there is an underlying medical disease causing them. In such cases, further investigations may be recommended. 

Treatments 

At Surya Hospital, we understand that dealing with PMS symptoms can be quite challenging and offer personalized treatments tailored to address your specific problems, ensuring better outcomes. 

• Mild symptoms may benefit from lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress management strategies such as yoga or meditation.
• For moderate to severe symptoms, our experts generally recommend the use of birth control tablets or other forms of hormone therapy to regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate PMS symptoms.
• Antidepressant medication may also be advised in extreme cases where the condition has progressed to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)