PMS Emotions: Here Is How To Deal With Extreme PMS Mood Swings

By Sughra Hafeez in Health and Fitness On 10th March 2018
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PMS

Premature mood swings (PMS) effect three-quarters of women. Premenstrual symptoms occur between ovulation and the start of menstrual bleeding. More than 150 symptoms have been linked to PMS.

Signs and symptoms of PMS:

Mood and behavior symptoms:

The most common symptoms mood and behavior of PMS:

anger and irritability,

Anxiety,

Tension,

Depression crying,

Oversensitivity,

Exaggerated mood swings.

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Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of PMS include:

Bloating (due to fluid retention),

Fatigue,

Lack of energy,

Breast tenderness,

Cramps,

Aching muscles and joints,

Low back pain,

Appetite changes with overeating or food cravings,

Headaches

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Worsening Conditions: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD)

According to Mayo Clinic:

"Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is severe, sometimes disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although regular PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt your work and damage your relationships. About 30 percent of menstruating women have PMS. Up to 8 percent of women with PMS have symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for PMDD.” (Mayo Clinic: 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research).

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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD) symptoms:

Migraines

Lasting irritability and anger, which may include frequent outbursts at loved ones

depression and anxiety disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome

Asthma

Disinterest in daily activities and relationships

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Allergies.

Causes of PMS mood swings:

Emotional problems and other menstrual symptoms are the reason for Hormone changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle. "The estrogen levels drop like a rock and begin rising slowly before dropping again just before menstruation starts. Reduced levels of estrogen during the luteal phase of the cycle could possibly cause a drop in serotonin, although more research needs to be done to confirm this link." says Livoti.

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PMS Treatment:

A healthy lifestyle can help to manage PMS mood swings.

Exercise:

Exercising daily can lift mood and improve depression. "Exercising can also boost energy and help with cramps and bloating, which may help you feel better," says Livoti.

Don’t smoke:

Women who smoke are twice likely to develop moderate or severe PMS symptoms than those who never smoked. Quit smoking to prevent PMS.

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Alcohol and caffeine:

Alcohol and caffeine can both can increase anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. Avid taking Alcohol and caffeine two weeks before periods.

Stress management:

Relax and avoid stress because stress can make PMS worse. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

Medications:

Antidepressants drugs like Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac or Sarafem (fluoxetine), and Paxil CR (paroxetine) are helpful for women with severe PMS and PMDD.

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Calcium supplements:

Calcium supplements work to reduce a wide variety of PMS and PMDD symptoms. 73% of women taking calcium supplements had significant improvement in their symptoms, according to a study conducted by Dr. Penland