Does PMS Get Worse With Age: Know All About it
As you get older, you may have noticed a slight change in Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
This can be normal and due to changes in the body as you get closer to menopause.
Dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome at any age is uncomfortable, but knowing how to manage your symptoms can greatly help.
As per Sciencedirect.com, the prevalence of PMS in adult women ranges from 20% to 40%, and 5 to 10% of women have severe symptoms.
Generally, the symptoms of PMS go away in a few days after your period begins.
But does PMS get worse with age? In this article, we will discuss the various stages of PMS as you age from your 20s to late 40s.
How PMS changes with age
The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome can change throughout your life.
Various factors such as stress, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and menopause can change the severity of symptoms.
PMS during your 20s
You may start facing PMS symptoms during your teenage or early 20s.
The menstrual cycle becomes more regular than that you faced during your teenage.
This can result in a more stable pattern of PMS.
PMS symptoms can differ from person to person.
Some may experience regular bloating or irritation; others may face food cravings and back pain.
Women in their 20s are more likely to use hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, implants, or shots to stop ovulation.
Hormonal contraceptives are made up of Estrogen and Progesterone, also naturally found in the ovaries.
Taking these birth control pills helps in relieving milder PMS experiences in your 20s.
In your 30s
The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in your 30s can resemble that in your 20s.
PMS may start to get worse during your late 30s when you approach perimenopause.
The symptoms can also worsen if you have given birth, postpartum depression, or Bipolar disorder.
Some people may experience PMS symptoms due to an underlying condition of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
This condition will likely appear in a person’s late 20s or 30s and occurs in less than 5% of menstruating women.
PMDD symptoms may appear one or two weeks before your period and are more severe than PMS symptoms.
The symptoms include depression, intense irritation or anger, anxiety, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts.
PMS in your 40s
You may notice that the symptoms of PMS start worsening as you go through perimenopause.
Perimenopause starts in your mid to late 40s and lasts four to eight years before menopause.
Hormones fluctuate in an unpredictable way during perimenopause, causing irregular periods.
This can hamper ovulation, heaviness, and cycle length of your period.
You may experience vaginal dryness and hot flashes along with severe PMS symptoms during this time.
Once your period stops, the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome will also stop.
Treatment options
Medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both can benefit managing PMS.
Women of any age can follow these treatment options to manage Premenstrual Syndrome.
Some of the treatment options are as follows:
Lifestyle changes
Modifying your lifestyle can help in getting relief from PMS.
Moderate exercises like running, brisk walking, and cycling can help boost your mood.
Yoga and meditation can also help in reducing stress and sadness.
At least 8 hours of sleep is a must to reduce symptoms like irritation and anger.
A healthy diet or dividing your meals into 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day can help prevent constipation due to PMS.
Medications
Some medications like NSAIDs, antidepressants, and hormonal birth control pills can help manage PMS symptoms.
NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can help relieve menstrual cramps and breast pain.
Antidepressants such as SSRIs can treat mood disorders associated with PMS.
Diuretics, also known as water pills, help flush out excess fluid through the kidneys and reduces bloating and swelling.
Supplements
Various vitamins and minerals have shown effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of PMS.
As per a study, Magnesium can significantly reduce headaches, stress, and anxiety.
Calcium has shown improvements in PMS symptoms like food cravings, fatigue, and depression.
100mg of Vitamin B6 daily can also improve overall Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms.
When to see a doctor
Managing the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome can take time and help from a doctor.
You can consider talking to a healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms do not improve with self-care
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Symptoms disrupting your day-to-day tasks
The doctor can help find a possible way to manage the symptoms, or they can refer you to a specialist.
Conclusion
PMS can cause various symptoms that may change over the life span due to age, pregnancy, stress, or menopause.
In your 20s, the symptoms of PMS tend to be very mild.
As you age and get into your 30s, you may see symptoms getting worse with childbirth or due to perimenopause.
In the 40s, PMS symptoms can get worse until you reach menopause.
But lifestyle changes like yoga, exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and medications can help manage PMS symptoms.
In case the symptoms start interfering with your daily life, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol make PMS worse?
Yes, alcohol can make PMS symptoms worse. It will increase symptoms like mood swings, irritation, and breast tenderness. It can also hamper your sleep and make your body dehydrated.
Does caffeine make PMS worse?
Caffeine can worse PMS symptoms like anxiety and irritation. It can also disrupt sleep, which leads to fatigue and discomfort during this time.
Does PCOS cause worse PMS?
PCOS can cause worse PMS symptoms, including irregular periods, bloating, and mood swings. Hormonal imbalances due to PCOS can lead to more severe symptoms, making it essential to manage both conditions.
Can stress make PMS worse?
Stress can worsen PMS by disrupting the body’s hormonal balance and increasing symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Managing stress with some relaxation techniques and self-care can help alleviate PMS symptoms.
Is PMS worse in perimenopause?
PMS symptoms can be worse during perimenopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. This can worsen the symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and irritation. Proper management of these symptoms is essential during this time.
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