You’ve likely heard of PMS, but do you know what it stands for? Not to worry, we’ll tell you! Read on to get the scoop on the meaning of PMS.
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Kevin
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April 3, 2022
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Common Questions
You’ve likely heard of PMS, but do you know what it stands for? Not to worry, we’ll tell you! Read on to get the scoop on the meaning of PMS.
Bloating, headaches, mood swings, cramps — if one or more of these icky symptoms are far too familiar, then you must be pretty well acquainted with premenstrual syndrome (AKA, PMS).
Welcome to the club, ladies! Research shows that around 90 percent of women of reproductive age experience at least one of the infamous symptoms associated with PMS most months, and about 50 percent of women get several symptoms each month.
Interested in learning more? We can help! Read on to discover everything you need to know about PMS, including its definition, symptoms, and more.
First things first: What does PMS stand for?
Simply put, PMS is an abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a woman with PMS has recurrent physical and/or psychological symptoms occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the phase that begins after ovulation and ends with the start of menstruation). It often resolves by the end of menstruation.
Defined as a group of symptoms that may be experienced as a result of hormonal changes in the days before a menstrual period begins, PMS affects women to varying degrees in every way imaginable.
PMS may look different from woman to woman. That said, the wide range of common symptoms that are often associated with PMS include:
In some cases, PMS is very severe and causes mental or psychiatric, and behavioral changes — this is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD for short. Unlike PMS, PMDD can interfere with daily life to the point where it disrupts employment and relationships.
Recognized in DSM-5, PMDD is classified as a psychiatric disorder whose symptoms are less of the acne flares and belly bloat, but more of the depression, irritability, and mood swings.
Any woman of reproductive age can get PMS, but some people are more likely to experience symptoms:
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers aren’t totally sure what causes premenstrual syndrome. That said, changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a role. These fluctuating hormone levels may affect some ladies more so than others.
Chemical changes in the brain may also be to blame.
Fluctuations of serotonin — an important neurotransmitter that’s thought to play an integral role in mood states — could trigger PMS symptoms. Experts believe insufficient amounts of this essential brain chemical may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as food cravings, insomnia, and low energy.
While there’s no real cure for PMS, there are a number of things you can do to ease your symptoms, such as:
PMS is an abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome. It refers to the changes in emotions and mood, physical health, and behavior many women experience in the days before their period starts.
Symptoms usually stop once the period begins, but this can vary from person to person. Although researchers aren’t totally sure of the cause, PMS is thought to be related to the changing hormone levels of the menstrual cycle.
The symptoms commonly associated with PMS include acne, anxiety, insomnia, cravings, bloating, constipation, mood changes, and water retention. Thankfully, lifestyle and dietary changes may help PMS sufferers to find relief.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind that the symptoms of PMS may look like other medical conditions, so it’s imperative to speak with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis if you suspect PMS.