Fatigue, swelling, headache, back pain, breast pain, stomach pain, digestive or dermatological problems… the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome are diverse and all unpleasant. PMS starts days or hours before your period and usually goes away soon after your period arrives.
Although not serious, it nevertheless disrupts “the social, professional and family life of a third of the women concerned and constitutes a real handicap in around 5% of cases, when it is associated with symptoms similar to those of major depression ( we then speak of premenstrual dysphoric disorder)”, describes Inserm.
What causes?
Scientists are confused about this. “Given its link with the menstrual cycle, we obviously suspect the involvement of hormonal factors,” explains Inserm.
“So the decrease in sex hormones in the blood after ovulation probably plays a role. “But a genetic predisposition is also pointed out, “just like possible deficiencies in serotonin (a molecule involved in communication between neurons), magnesium and calcium”.
Treatments?
Without an identified cause, no specific treatment exists to date. To relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, you should be very vigilant about your lifestyle.
It is about “taking care of your sleep, practicing regular physical activity as well as relaxing activities, consuming less sugar and more complex carbohydrates and proteins, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, describes the Inserm. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce pain (paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), reduce water retention (diuretics) or relieve emotional symptoms (anxiolytics). »
If you suffer before or during your period, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.