Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
(PMS) causes endless confusion to the male gender (and lots of laughs for
female comedians everywhere). Do men understand that half of a female’s life is
spent with this discomfort from puberty onward dealing with the above? Here is
a brief explanation on how PMS works.
PMS is a group of symptoms linked to the monthly menstrual cycle. PMS
symptoms occur one to two weeks before your period (menstruation or monthly
bleeding) starts. The symptoms usually go away after the bleeding starts.
PMS can affect menstruating women of any age and the effect is different
for each woman. For some people, PMS is just a monthly bother. For others, it
may be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. PMS goes
away when your monthly periods stop, such as when you get pregnant or go
through menopause.
So there you
have it. It’s both a physical and chemical change in the female body that causes
women to feel, act, and say things they normally wouldn’t.
The point
is that the men in women’s lives should be aware of the changes listed below,
anticipate them, and know what’s needed in order to not be completely unbearable
with each other one week of every month. Here is some of what can be expected.
1. her body
is ever-changing: In addition to breast enlargement (tenderness and sensitivity) and pre-period cramping, headaches may also happen. (Make sure
the aspirin bottle is full.) Because of the chemical changes in the female
body during this week, acne break-outs
may join this line-up. Many women will experience
both debilitating sharp and dull cramping pains in the uterus.
2.
the hormones ARE
UNCONTROLLABLE: The side effects of birth control are often worse than
anything that comes with PMS. While PMSing, hormone levels are going up and
down as preparation for pregnancy (or periods) happens. It’s not a pleasant
time.
3. Craving
junk food is normal: As our hormones fluctuate, random cravings happen. We have
these insane constantly-changing, unhealthy food cravings that must be satisfied (if one wishes for a good
night sleep).
4.
Sometimes, there’s sadness
for no reason: There can be mood swings worse than any physical symptom. A seemingly happy commercial could leave a
woman bawling her eyes out when she’s PMSing.
Hormones turn the world upside down. Irritability is one of the most common PMS symptoms. We just
cannot help it. We might get mad at literally nothing. We expect you to fix it.
We could also be sitting on the couch, and suddenly a wave of emotions
overcomes us and we cry. Just don’t panic. All we want is a hug.
5. sweats are
worn because of bloating (not laziness): It
makes us feel fat and uncomfortable, so we break out the sweats, and socially
withdraw from friends. This is an annoying symptom of PMS. Tummies can’t be
sucked in, and no amount of exercises can tighten them up. At this time of the
month, women may be particularly insecure about their bloated bellies.
6.
exhaustion occurs even
with little activity: Our bodies are constantly
changing (inside and out) during PMS. It’s draining. Add all the emotional
fluctuations and you’d be exhausted, too. Even a full night’s sleep might not
jumpstart our day.
7.
It affects every woman
differently: PMS is actually a set of phases. A woman might not go through every phase like food
cravings, mood swings, bloating, and depression. Each female has her own unique
rhythms. Pay attention and talk to a women. That’s all it takes to understand the
effects of PMS on a female. [i]
There
is no need to be upset about the above because there are natural remedies any
woman can take for Premenstrual Syndrome. The herbs listed below are known as
adaptogenics. This means they communicate with your body to provide you with
the exact amount needed to bring you back into correct balance.
Ø Chasteberry reduced breast pain or tenderness, edema, constipation,
irritability, depressed mood, anger, and headache.
Ø Dong Quai (also known as Chinese Angelica) is used primarily for female
health conditions like painful menstruation, pelvic pain, recovery from
childbirth (or illness), and fatigue (low vitality).
Ø Maca is used for fertility, female hormone imbalance, menstrual
problems, and symptoms of menopause, weak bones (osteoporosis), depression,
stomach cancer, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, erectile dysfunction (ED), to
arouse sexual desire, PMS, and to boost the immune system.
Ø Black Cohosh is used for menopausal symptoms, andPMS (irritability and
sleep disturbances).
Ø Lemon Balm has been used for PMS-related anxiety and insomnia.
Ø Wild Yam is used for intestinal problems, labor pains, menstrual
issues, and high estrogen levels.
Ø Burdock is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, improving the
liver’s ability to metabolize hormones (such as estrogen), which in turn
improves symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance and PMS.
Ø St. John’s Wort treats mild depression (and PMS moodiness). It can interfere
with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Ø Ginkgo is known for its effects on memory and PMS symptoms (fluid
retention and breast tenderness).
Ø Chromium stabilizes insulin and blood sugar, which curtails cravings
and supports appetite regulation.
Ø Calcium, Magnesium and
Vitamin B6 can help with pain, moodiness, and general PMS
symptoms. Magnesium is particularly effective for combating chocolate cravings.
(Chocolate cravings are a sign of magnesium deficiency.)
“Women complain about PMS, but I think of it as the only time of the
month when I can be myself.” (Roseanne Barr)
[i] Sources used:
§ “A Guy’s Guide to Understanding PMS” by Crystal
Crowder
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