My PMS Story: Dealing With the 4 symptoms of PMS That Start 10 Days Before My Period
As a woman, I always knew that my menstrual cycle would bring some discomfort.
However, I never imagined the level of distress and pain that I would go through every month.
PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, can be a debilitating experience.
In this article, I share my experience of understanding the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis and finding effective treatments.
It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot along the way.
My PMS story can provide some insight and comfort to those going through a similar experience.
Living with PMS can be challenging, but I want to assure you that there is hope.
Managing PMS effectively with the right knowledge, understanding, and treatment is possible.
Now I understand what PMS is: Inner hormones taking over
I recall the first time I experienced the symptoms of PMS.
It was bewildering and overwhelming.
It started with feeling irritable and moody, but soon, I realized that it was more than just mood swings.
The mood swings, the PMS cramps, and the fatigue felt like an emotional and physical whirlwind.
I did not understand what was happening to my body, and it was scary.
I researched, used the internet, and talked to my female friends.
This led me to the discovery that I am likely experiencing PMS.
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to symptoms that women may experience before their period.
These symptoms can affect both physical and emotional well-being.
Premenstrual syndrome combines physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that many experience in the days leading up to menstruation.
PMS can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person.
I’ve learned to recognize my symptoms
Identifying PMS symptoms can be tricky.
PMS symptoms range from mild to severe, including bloating, headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
They typically occur a week or two before menstruation and can last a few days.
Personally, I’ve learned to recognize my body’s signals over the years, from intense cramps to mood swings.
Each month, as I approach my menstrual cycle, I experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, irritability, and bloating.
Tracking my symptoms helped me connect the dots between my mood swings and PMS.
I also noticed physical symptoms like PMS bloating and breast tenderness becoming more prominent.
Understanding these symptoms has been crucial in managing them.
Getting to the root of causes: what triggers my PMS
Pinpointing the exact cause of PMS proved to be a challenging task for medical professionals and me.
The exact cause of PMS is still unknown, but several factors can contribute to it.
Research suggests that hormone fluctuations, particularly Estrogen and Progesterone, play a significant role.
Additionally, some common habits that can make PMS symptoms worse include lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, poor sleep, and a lack of exercise.
For me, stress was a significant factor that triggered my PMS symptoms.
I also noticed later that my diet was crucial in how I experience them.
Identifying my potential triggers helped me make necessary changes in my lifestyle to manage my symptoms better.
When I had to see a doctor for help and support
Navigating PMS on my own was challenging.
There were times when the symptoms felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure if what I was experiencing was normal. }
That’s when I realized it was time to seek help.
I was experiencing severe PMS symptoms that were affecting my daily life, so it was essential to see a doctor.
It can be tough to ask for help, but speaking to a healthcare professional can make a difference.
A physician can help rule out other underlying conditions and provide appropriate treatment options.
Seeking diagnosis for validation
After years of uncertainty, I finally sought a diagnosis for my PMS.
Visiting a healthcare provider was a turning point in my PMS journey.
It was a relief to confirm what I suspected to be experiencing.
I encourage anyone unsure about their symptoms to talk to a healthcare provider.
When I finally decided to see a doctor, they conducted a thorough evaluation to diagnose PMS and rule out other possible causes.
They asked about my symptoms and medical history and performed a physical examination.
In case you visit a doctor, they may order some tests which is not something to worry about.
Those are to rule out other underlying conditions.
Keeping a menstrual symptom diary was immensely helpful during this process.
Once diagnosed, my doctor discussed various treatment options with me.
How I steered toward finding the right treatment
From lifestyle changes like exercise and dietary adjustments to medication and therapy, I found a combination that worked for me.
The treatment for PMS depends on the severity of your symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe PMS medicines, such as hormonal contraceptives or antidepressants, to manage your symptoms effectively.
With a proper diagnosis in hand, I was able to explore various treatment options tailored to my needs.
However, finding the right treatment for PMS can be a trial-and-error process.
It took some time for me to find what worked best for me.
I started by making lifestyle changes, such as starting regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and adopting a balanced diet.
These changes, coupled with over-the-counter pain relievers, helped alleviate some of my symptoms, but I still needed additional support.
My doctor prescribed medication to help regulate my hormones and manage the more severe symptoms.
They also recommended therapy to address the emotional aspects of PMS.
Combining these approaches made a significant difference in my overall well-being.
Even though it can be difficult, I navigate the ups and downs each month with a newfound sense of understanding and empowerment.
One of these can help you, too:
Accept and embrace your journey
Living with PMS has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience, and I hope my PMS story helps you in becoming more resilient.
I have found hope and relief through understanding the symptoms, identifying triggers, and seeking appropriate treatment.
If you’re going through a similar experience, know you’re not alone.
Reach out for support, consult a healthcare professional, and explore different treatment options.
I’ve come to a place of acceptance.
It’s not always easy, but I’ve also learned to listen to my body and give myself the rest I need.
It is possible to manage it effectively with the right knowledge and understanding.
Key takeaways
- PMS can cause significant distress and discomfort for women, but it is possible to manage it effectively with the right knowledge, understanding, and treatment
- Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms can vary from person to person and include physical and emotional changes, such as mood swings, cramps, fatigue, irritability, bloating, and headaches
- Identifying PMS symptoms can be tricky, but identifying and tracking PMS symptoms can help in managing them effectively
- Factors contributing to PMS may include hormone fluctuations, stress, diet, sleep, and exercise
- Seeking help from a doctor can make a significant difference in managing PMS symptoms
- Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms and medical history, often supported by keeping a menstrual symptom diary
- Treatment options for PMS vary depending on the intensity of your symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy
- Finding the right treatment might include trial and error but can significantly improve overall well-being and empowerment
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