By Sara Laharnar
As women, I’m sure everyone of us has been asked at least once, “Is it that time of the month?” or “What is wrong with you, are you getting your period?”.
Is there anything more aggrevating? Not really.
These questions have invalidated women’s emotions for decades.
Society tirelessly jokes about women’s heightened emotions during the lead up to a menstrual cycle, but we need to stop. PMS IS REAL and it’s not funny.
Just like we have hormones that are responsible for controlling our blood sugar levels, (like insulin) and others for promoting positive feelings, (such as serotonin and endorphins), hormones are responsible for body and mood changes prior to a period.
Pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS happens in the days after ovulation and prior to menstruation when estrogen and progesterone levels begin falling dramatically.
These changes can result in serotonin deficiency, causing mood and physical symptoms.
PMS can vary from woman to woman, but common complaints include: bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, irritability and mood swings.
Most PMS is manageable, however up to 8% of women suffer from debilitating PMS which is known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD. PMDD is a very serious, life-altering condition in which women suffer severe symptoms during the luteal phase of the cycle.
For some women, PMDD can start or worsen after giving birth.
Women with a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders are at an increased risk of developing PMDD.
Symptoms can include:
- Lasting irritability or anger that may affect other people
- Feelings of sadness, depression and suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Mood swings or crying often
- Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
