PMS

Menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome. Perimenopause. Menopause. Ovulation. How often have you heard these terms? I’m going to take a wild guess and say, not very often. While these terms are all part of the health of half of the world's population, discussion around them is still highly stigmatized. This stigma can manifest itself in vastly different ways, with certain microaggressions such as “Oh is it that time of the month again?” or perhaps, even blatant miseducation and myths, such as that using tampons will make you lose your virginity3. This last myth, for many, seems just ridiculous. But in reality, miseducation about women’s health is so intense and widespread, that this myth is relatively common. I’ve had many friends express their discomfort and embarrassment about buying tampons in public stores, which I have to admit, I have experienced as well. Why do we feel this sense of embarrassment for something that is necessary for the health and wellbeing of our body?

There are so many aspects of this issue that are of the utmost importance to work into our discussions, and just to work to understand. Some of these include period poverty, women’s health in sexual education, and the shaming of girls on their periods. Education around all of these issues is critical (and there are resources at the bottom of this article to learn more!). But, in this article, we are going to address one specific term: premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome, more commonly referred to as “PMS”, is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that women get before starting their period6. 90% of women experience PMS, although, it’s manifestations in each person can be vastly different6. For some, PMS can be so intense that it forces them to stay home, but for others, PMS can just be a small headache4. In the days after ovulation, a time period in the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fall so drastically in your body that it causes these physical and emotional symptoms. After hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise again, these symptoms often fade.1

PMS, however, aren’t the only symptoms that you might feel before a period. Half of women who have PMS, also report having other health problems that get worse in the days before their period1. Some of these health issues include chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder pain syndrome, and anxiety and depression disorders. PMS can exacerbate the symptoms of many of these issues before a period.1

Symptoms can differ for each woman -- but there are also varying types of PMS. An estimated 5% of middle-aged women suffer from PMDD, which is a more severe form of PMS5. PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, often happens in women with higher stress levels, a family history of depression, or a personal history of depression. PMDD can manifest itself in increased anger, anxiety, depression, irritability, and pain in the weeks leading up to your period. PMDD, can however, be treated and eased with the help of a doctor. Common treatments include antidepressants, birth control pills, pain relievers, and stress management2. Of course, you should be discussing these symptoms with a doctor before prescribing anything to yourself, however.

So, how do you know that you have PMS or PMDD? For PMS, there is no single test that determines whether you have it. For the most part, if you experience symptoms that occur in the five days before your period multiple months in a row, end within four days after your period starts, and keep you from enjoying the things you normally enjoy: you probably have PMS1. PMDD, on the other hand, is much more intense and if you have symptoms such as anxiety, depression, increased anger or pain levels, then you might want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of having PMS4.

What can I do, generally, to ease symptoms of PMS or PMDD? Researchers suggest getting regular aerobic activity helps ease many of the emotional symptoms of PMS, as well as getting enough sleep. Additionally, eating healthily and finding other ways to cope with stress has been linked to a lessening in PMS symptoms. To ease symptoms, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the physical pain, and you can talk to your doctor about prescription medicine if those don’t help4.

PMS is normal. It happens to the majority of women with their period. It should never feel like something to be ashamed about, and it should never feel like a taboo and inappropriate topic. This article addresses the overview of PMS, but there is also so much more to include and understand about these discussions. It’s important to also do your own research and learn everything you need to know for your unique body type and situations.

Resources

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2015). Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: The American Psychiatric Association.

3. “End the Stigma. Period.” UN Women, www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/multimedia/2019/10/infographic-periods.

4. “PMS Relief.” Womenshealth.gov, 16 Mar. 2018, www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome.

5. Potter, J., Bouyer, J., Trussell, J., Moreau, C. (2009). Premenstrual Syndrome Prevalence and Fluctuation over Time: Results from a French Population-Based Survey: Journal of Women’s Health; 18(1): 31–39.

6. Winer, S. A., Rapkin, A. J. (2006). Premenstrual disorders: prevalence, etiology and impact. Journal of Reproductive Medicine; 51(4 Suppl):339-347.

Name: Brisa Kane

Editor: Katelyn Clark

Graphic Designer: Lisa Li-Liang