Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) © Irene J. Sleight
Jul 17, 2001
Do you ever have days in the month when you hardly recognize yourself?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women with cyclical alterations in hormones and biochemistry that can literally transform their entire disposition. There are numerous PMS symptoms that women can experience, but the distinguishing factor in PMS is the pattern of these symptoms. Symptoms usually strike a week or two before the onset of menses, with immediate relief once the bleeding begins. It's sort of like having a black cloud ominously hanging over you. For those already prone to anxiety and depression, it feels more like a violent thunderstorm. PMS can be divided into four subgroups, each with specific symptoms.
- Anxiety: consisting of nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, & insomnia. This type of PMS is characterized by elevated blood estrogen and low progesterone levels. Women who have this form of PMS tend to consume excessive dairy products and refined sugars.
- Cravings: consist of headaches, sweet cravings, increased appetite, heart pounding, dizziness or fainting; fatigue. This type of PMS is characterized by an increased carbohydrate tolerance and low magnesium levels. Increased appetitite coincides with high levels of estrogen and progesterone. Food cravings have also been documented in women with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be alleviated by exposure to light.
- Depression: consists of depression, forgetfulness, crying, confusion. Progesterone levels may be higher than normal during the midluteal phase, the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Other women may have normal progesterone and estrogen, with high lead levels and chronic lead intoxication.
- Hyperhydration: consists of weight gain above 3 pounds, swollen extremities, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating. This type of PMS is associated with water and salt retention.
Current research suggests that the interaction of the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle may be involved in this syndrome. It is believed that PMS results from an upset of the balance between specific estrogen and progesterone. Below is a table that lists some of the actions of these feminine hormones that can exacerbate symptoms.
| Causes bloating, weight gain and water retention by causing sodium retention |
Reduces bloating, weight gain and water retention by supporting sodium
execretion |
| Acts as a central nervous system stimulant to produce irritability and
anxiety |
Acts as a central nervous system depressant to calm the irritability and
anxiety |
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