As if a week's worth of bleeding isn't enough, our periods tend to come with a host of other unpleasant symptoms, from painful cramps to mood swings and sugar cravings. But there are other, rather strange symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. You couldn’t even think that they are associated with PMS.
ContentSymptoms of premenstrual syndrome that few people talk about Diarrhea Bags under the eyes Pain in the gums Migraine Sensitive nipples Muscle pain Sensitive or painful skin Classic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: how to deal with them?
The truth is that the menstrual cycle affects the body in different ways. And the ever-changing influx of hormones can affect just about everything from the digestive system to how we process emotions, WomanEL reports, citing a Stylist source. What can happen to you during this period? Read on to find out.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that few people talk about
Diarrhea
We'll just say it: Frequent bowel movements during periods are a reality, and not enough people talk about it. But a 2014 study found that 24% of women also experience premenstrual diarrhea.
This physical side effect is most likely due to increased levels of prostaglandins, which help the body perform functions including muscle contraction. These are helpful during menstruation as they can contract muscle tissue as the uterine lining sheds, but can also cause abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea.
You may find that stress or anxiety aggravates this condition . In addition, cravings for fatty foods may increase the likelihood that you will need to go to the toilet more often, so try to eat a balanced diet whenever possible.
Bags under the eyes
Many women experience During menstruation, acne appears or acne worsens. But during the premenstrual phase, you may also look more puffy and tired, especially around the eyes, due to water retention in the body.
Essentially, changing levels of progesterone and estrogen cause your body to retain water, causing swelling throughout your body. Don't worry, this usually goes away about five days after your period starts.
Pain in the gums
Pain in the gums may be associated with fluctuations in hormone levels. Menstrual gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by PMS before menstruation. Higher hormone levels cause more blood flow to the gums, which can make them more sensitive, especially to plaque and bacteria.
You may find that your gums become irritated, sore, swollen, and bleed when brushing or flossing. These symptoms are most common in the last week of the luteal phase (when you typically experience premenstrual symptoms) and should subside during your period.
Migraine
Migraine is caused by a number of conditions and health problems, but it can be triggered by changes in hormone levels.
A 2009 study published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders describes menstrual migraine as a very common and disabling condition that requires specific treatment, so if you're experiencing difficulties, it's definitely worth talking to your doctor about migraines during menstruation.
Migraine symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness or physical nausea, and a throbbing headache, but these vary from person to person.
Sensitive nipples
In the days and weeks before your period, you may find your nipples become sore and/or sensitive. Hormonal fluctuations are to blame, as rising estrogen levels lead to enlargement of the breast ducts, as well as progesterone, which causes swelling of the mammary glands.
Nipple sensitivity in the run-up to menstruation should cause only mild pain. If the pain worsens, seek advice from your GP.
Muscle pain
Hormonal fluctuations and increased release of prostaglandins may be responsible for increased muscle pain as they cause inflammation along with increased sensitivity of nerve endings. Tracking your cycle and planning rest days according to PMS symptoms can be one way to avoid this problem.
Sensitive or painful skin
While you're probably used to oily or acne-prone skin during your premenstrual phase and menstruation, you may not have realized that fluctuating hormone levels can also make your skin more sensitive to the products you use and pollutants.
Reducing levels of estrogen, which normally thickens the skin, can increase sensitivity and the likelihood of inflammation. Typically, symptoms begin a week before menstruation and stop around the second week of the cycle.
According to a 2017 study, 42% of premenopausal women reported increased skin sensitivity just before and during their menstrual cycle, so this is a fairly common problem.
In extreme cases, some people experience cystic acne, characterized by large, painful bumps under the skin that usually appear along the jawline during the premenstrual phase. If you experience this, please contact your GP for advice or treatment.
Classic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Depression is one of the symptoms of PMS, Source: pexels.com < p>Physical symptoms of PMS may include:
- changes in appetite, such as food cravings;
- weight gain;
- bloating;
- lower abdominal pain or cramping;
- headaches;
- fatigue;
- oily skin;
- acne and other skin symptoms;
Psychological symptoms of PMS may include:
- bad mood;
- wanting to cry;
- irritability or anger;
- depression;
- increased anxiety;
- mood swings;
- social isolation;
- sleep problems such as insomnia;
- difficulty concentrating;
- decreased libido;
- People with PMS may also notice worsening symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: how to cope with them?
Get plenty of rest , get enough sleep, eat right, stretch. Make time for meditation and relaxation. And remember that most of these symptoms disappear when your period starts. But, if something worries you, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.
It is possible to exercise during menstruation! And even necessary. Here are some simple and safe exercises.
