Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Women

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common issues faced by women today. PMS is so common among women that as early as the 1930's studies about this affliction have been conducted in various parts of the world. According to studies, about 80% of menstruating women all over have premenstrual symptoms. About 40% of those having premenstrual symptoms suffer PMS, which could cause mild to severe discomforts. Out of the total number of women who suffer PMS every month, about 10% have severe symptoms that lead them to be incapacitated during their menstrual periods.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Different women manifest different PMS symptoms. However, the most common symptoms observed by women with PMS are fatigue, tension and irritability, difficulty concentrating, anger, depression, breast tenderness, bloating in the abdomen, hands and legs and headaches.

Fatigue is one of the most common reported symptoms of PMS. Women who are suffering from PMS would often feel so tired that they can barely get through the day. In many cases, women with PMS would feel dizzy and could not concentrate on what they are doing. According to experts, women who feel extreme tired during PMS should stay home and rest and should not attempt to do task that would require concentration and agility. For instance, driving would not be advisable for women who are feeling so tired because of PMS.

Tension and irritability is very common among women with PMS. Where in normal days most women would not take offense about something, they could be very sensitive when they are suffering from PMS. Small annoyance would often become such a big irritant that could lead to some really nasty situations. In many cases, women's reaction to some crisis or problem would be out of proportion during PMS that it would be wise not to tempt her to lash. Women with PMS could be very argumentative during these periods that it would not be a good idea to get in her way. If you want to discuss some sensitive ideas and concerns with her, try to reserve your discussion for another period when she not feeling so stressed out and emotional. Do not bother her during these periods because she is having such a hard time controlling her temper due to hormonal changes in her body.

Another very common symptom of PMS is headache. The severity of the headache could vary but there are some women who suffer very severe headaches that they could not function normally during these periods. In fact, there are some women who would become incapacitated with pain during these periods that they would require some medical interventions.