Premenstrual Tension: causes, symptoms and treatment
Premenstrual tension (PMT), also known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), is a common condition that can affect up to 75% of women during their reproductive years. This condition is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that may occur in the days or weeks before your period begins.
Symptoms of PMT can vary for each woman, but typically include nervousness, irritability, low mood, headache, depression, as well as chest pain, swelling, constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms are often accompanied by the accumulation of excess salt and water in the tissues, which can cause swelling.
PMT is thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels in a woman's body during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels gradually increase during the first half of the cycle and then peak before ovulation. After ovulation, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels begin to rise. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop sharply, which causes the onset of menstruation. It is the change in progesterone levels that is considered one of the main causes of PMT.
Also, women with PMT may be deficient in essential fatty acids in their body, which can worsen symptoms. Some studies have also linked PMT to dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can cause depression and anxiety.
Treatment for PMT may include lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, reducing caffeine and salt intake, and increasing water intake. Medications such as magnesium supplements, B vitamins and antidepressants may also be prescribed. In some cases, the use of hormonal medications such as contraceptives or progesterone creams may be necessary.
Although PMT can be very uncomfortable and even interfere with normal activities, in most cases the symptoms go away once your period begins. If symptoms of PMT greatly interfere with normal life, you should consult a doctor for advice and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Premenstrual tension (PMT), also known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), is a common condition that can occur in women a few days before the start of their period. PMT is characterized by the presence of nervousness, irritability, decreased mood, headache and/or depression. In most cases, all these symptoms disappear after the start of menstruation.
PMT can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in hormone levels in a woman's body, such as progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. However, in some cases, progesterone levels can drop enough to cause PMT.
Additionally, some women may be deficient in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, in their body. It may also contribute to the development of PMT, as fatty acids play a role in regulating hormone levels.
Symptoms of PMT can vary from woman to woman and may include:
- Nervousness and irritability
- Worsened mood, depression
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Edema
- Stomach ache
- Changes in appetite
- Drowsiness or insomnia
To diagnose PMT, a woman should see a doctor, who will conduct appropriate tests to determine whether the symptoms are related to other diseases.
Treatment for PMT may include lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, reducing caffeine and salt intake, and taking certain medications such as antidepressants, hormone-lowering medications, or mood-enhancing medications.
Although PMT can be unpleasant and interfere with a woman's normal life, treatment and lifestyle changes can improve the situation and help manage symptoms.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disease that occurs in women approximately from the middle of the menstrual cycle until the start of bleeding and is characterized by a number of symptoms, such as: migraines, anxiety, depression, cramps, swelling, high blood pressure, decreased attention. Premenstrual pain often occurs at the junction of the pelvic bones (the so-called “cervical pain”) and is the source of complaints in more than half of patients with premenstrual problems. According to studies, about 60% of women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome every month before menstruation, and 40% every two to three months. There are three known forms of premenstrual syndromes: cyclic (without hot flashes), dysfunctional neuroendocrine (impaired ovarian function), and cyclical bronchial asthma. One form of premenstrual pain is pain associated with the release of an egg from the follicle. It manifests itself as pain in the lower abdomen and can last up to five days. In addition, premenstrual depression is quite common, especially among women in their twenties and thirties.