PMS refers to a combination of both physical and emotions symptoms that approximately 90% women have leading up to their periods. Some of these symptoms include tender breasts, moodiness, headaches, depression, fatigue and food cravings.

These symptoms vary between women from mild discomfort to so severe that they are unable to work or go to school. If you experience PMS, talk to your health care provider to learn ways you can relieve and manage your symptoms.

What causes PMS?

It is unknown what the exact cause is for PMS but there are many factors that could contribute to the condition. Increased sensitivity to reproductive hormones especially in second half of menstrual cycle when level of hormones are high and fluctuating. This change in hormone levels as well as stress, physical health, genetic makeup and other factors may all influence the severity of PMS.

Symptoms of PMS

It is more common that women feel the physical symptoms of PSM, however, majority of women will experience some degree of physiological or behavioural PMS symptoms in their life.

Physical:

• Breath tenderness
• Headaches
• Muscle pain, joint pain
• Fluid retention
• Bloating                                                                                                 
• Pimples/ Changes in skin
• Weight gain

Psychological:

• Anxiety
• Lack of motivation and energy
• Feeling sad
• Irritable, anger
• Feeling nervous
• Not wanting to socialize
• Eating more, cravings for specific foods

Does PMS change as I get older?

PMS gets worse in late 30’s and 40’s, especially as you approach menopause.

Perimenopause is the transitional time going into menopause, during this time hormone levels change unpredictably which can have effect on mood swings. Once menopause is over, you no longer have periods or PMS.

PMS can also change during your life by environmental and lifestyle factors. PMS may be more severe for women who suffer depression, experience high levels of stress, smoke and have unhealthy habits.

Diagnosing PMS

To effectively diagnose PMS, symptoms should be recorded in a diary over two consecutive months. This will allow your healthcare professional to look for patterns in symptoms and better know how to treat your PMS. This will also allow your healthcare professional to see if symptoms may be related to a different health issue being mistaken as PMS or making PMS worse.

What treatments are there for PMS?

It’s wise to consult a female doctor in Logan to assess you thoroughly and offer a wide range of treatments available.

to assess you thoroughly and offer a wide range of treatments available.

It’s important to check for other common conditions such as Thyroid issues or Iron deficiency and other problems associated with internal glands.

Over the counter medications can be used to reduce the pain of PMS with muscle aches, headaches, cramps and breast tenderness.

Over the counter medications are such as:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

If over the counter medications are not effective in relieving your symptoms there are medications prescribed by a Doctor that may work for you. These are such as:

• Antidepressants- SSRI
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Anti-anxiety medicine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Diuretics

Making lifestyle changes is another way to reduce the symptoms of PMS. These are:

• Sleeping enough
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly

The impact of PMS

PMS can be very sever and have huge impact on your life.

Sever emotional and psychological symptoms can cause conflict within the family and affect your work.

Physical symptoms of PMS can be very sever and can be a reason for losing working days.

It can make pre-existing depression worse.

Its way beyond a natural process or fact of life and seeking advice from a Gynaecology trained female doctor is essential to address the issue as soon as possible to bring the quality of life back to the track.

How can we help?

Our female doctors in Kingston specialise in women’s health.

Our experienced team of Gynaecology trained female GP, Registered Nurse, Dietitian and exercise physiologist will help you to receive the best treatment options.

Our women’s health clinic in Logan will help you about any queries you have about your health and wellbeing. Bulk-billing option is available in our clinic.

We are conveniently located in main road at 497 Kingston Road Kingston 4114

Please contact us 07 31334483   for a consult.

Please head to our website for more information about our services: https://www.wellcaremedicalcentre.org.au/obstetric-gynecology-services/