Physical Problems in Females

PMS

“Premenstrual syndrome” (PMS) is the collective name given to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that may appear a few days before a woman’s menstrual period. They are also known under the name “premenstrual tension”, and they may even last through the first day of menstruation. Once the period has begun, however, the symptoms usually disappear. The underlying causes of PMS are hormonal changes in the woman’s body, but why and how they produce particular symptoms is unclear. They also vary from one woman to another. In some cases, the physical and especially the psychological symptoms are so severe that women become practically incapacitated. Doctors then speak of “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” (PMDD). When women reach their menopause, i.e. when their regular periods come to an end, so does PMS. The most common possible symptoms of PMS are listed in the graph below:

Possible Symptoms of PMS

Physical: headache dizziness acne swelling in arms and legs joint or muscle pain sore breasts back pain constipation or diarrhea bloated abdomen abdominal pain or cramps nausea Pschological: moodiness irritability forgetfulness confusion anxiety anger tension tearfulness appetite changes fatigue insomnia depression