Decoding PMS was like a puzzle for me. 

It stands for Premenstrual Syndrome and refers to a set of emotional, physical, and psychological symptoms that show up before your period starts. 

Here’s the catch: no two women experience PMS the same way, and the intensity of symptoms can vary. 

In my case, it was like riding a roller coaster of fluctuating emotions and discomfort. 

It wasn’t a pleasant revelation, but knowing this was PMS gave me a framework to decode my body’s messages. 

The key is understanding PMS or period symptoms; it is the journey’s beginning, not the end.

Recognizing the first signs

The path to understanding PMS started with spotting my early signs. 

PMS affected my mental health, and the PMS mood swings were like an emotional roller coaster ride: one minute up, the next minute down.

My first giveaway was irritability. 

I found myself feeling unusually snappy and short-tempered, often over petty issues. 

Anxiety would creep in unexpectedly, making everyday situations feel overwhelming.

Then there were days clouded by inexplicable sadness, resembling symptoms of Depression.

Then came the physical symptoms: a tenderness in my breasts, feeling bloated, headaches, and overarching fatigue. 

At first, they seemed unrelated, random even. 

But soon, I recognized a rhythm in this chaos; these signs surfaced like clockwork about a week or two before my period. 

This cycle, albeit discomforting, was my first clue into my PMS journey.

Did you know?
Nearly 75% of women experience PMS symptoms at some point in their lives.

Tracking my period symptoms

Pelvic pain
Woman suffering from cramps

Once I understood that it was the PMS I was dealing with, I decided to get proactive. 

I began documenting every period symptom, its severity, and its duration. 

This was a challenging process, but it was certainly enlightening. 

I was able to pinpoint when my period symptoms would kick in and for how long they’d last. 

Over time, this routine helped me anticipate the arrival of PMS, giving me a head start to mentally and physically brace myself for it. 

It also made me feel more in control, which I found truly empowering.

Warning:
Do not hesitate to seek help if you are in your late 30s or 40s and find your PMS symptoms worsening or becoming unmanageable. The period symptoms in the Perimenopause phase can become more frequent and less predictable.

The factors that worsened my period symptoms

As I delved deeper into understanding my PMS, I noticed a pattern – certain elements seemed to amplify my symptoms. 

Various factors can affect period symptoms, and certain habits can worsen PMS.

Unresolved stress, lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices, and inadequate sleep formed an unfriendly quartet, playing their part in escalating my discomfort. 

Stress, in particular, seemed to ignite my irritability.

Lack of exercise contributed to the physical pain. 

Similarly, unhealthy eating habits led to more pre-menstrual bloating and headaches. 

Finally, insufficient sleep added fuel to my already fluctuating mood swings. 

As I started piecing together the jigsaw puzzle of my PMS symptoms,  I started noticing some of these clear triggers, like skimping on sleep.

Too much caffeine or salty foods also sent my bloating and irritability into overdrive.

Acknowledging these elements was an eye-opener and a crucial milestone in my PMS journey.

Identifying these triggers felt like a breakthrough, equipping me with valuable insights to tweak my lifestyle for better symptom management. 

Remember, our bodies are unique, and my triggers may not necessarily be yours. 

The key is listening to your body and identifying your patterns and triggers. 

It’s a journey of self-awareness, but I promise it’s worth every step.

 class=

Struggling with Endometriosis hold over your daily life?

Seek solace and relief with specialized aids from WowRxPharmacy.

Regestrone 5mgDanogen 100mg

When it was time to see a doctor

Woman taking consultation from a doctor
Woman taking consultation from a doctor

There were instances when my period symptoms became way too overbearing, and I found myself at the doctor’s doorstep. 

I learned quickly that when PMS begins to disrupt my daily routine, it’s my body’s way of signaling for professional help. 

My doctor prescribed birth control to manage PMS.

It’s important to remember that PMS isn’t something to bear alone in silence. 

I started communicating openly with my close ones about my mental health.

Also, I sought professional help when things got heavy. 

PMS and mental health are undeniably intertwined, and acknowledging this was a crucial part of my journey.

If your symptoms become intolerable, last too long, or you’re unsure if they’re period symptoms, visit a doctor. 

It’s always better to be safe and proactive regarding your health.

Over time, I’ve found a rhythm in dealing with my PMS and can manage them. 

Key takeaways

  • No two women experience PMS the same way, and the intensity of symptoms can vary
  • PMS can cause physical symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches
  • Emotional symptoms include feeling sad, anxious, or irritated
  • Tracking period symptoms can help anticipate their arrival and prepare for them
  • Certain factors like stress, lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices, and inadequate sleep can amplify the symptoms of PMS
  • Seeking professional help is important when PMS begins to disrupt daily routine as it is crucial to acknowledge the connection between PMS and mental health
  • Citations:
    WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.