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Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the emotional symptoms some women experience during specific periods of their menstrual cycle, as a consequence of the normal interaction and fluctuation of hormones and neurotransmitters.
In most women, these fluctuations are very consistent and can therefore be predicted.
While everybody responds differently to these changes, the three most prominent symptoms of PMS are: tension, irritability, and dysphoria (unhappiness). Other common symptoms include stress, anxiety, insomnia, headache, fatigue, mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity, and changes in libido.
PMS occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: beginning after day 16 and ending by day 28. Some women experience symptoms a few days into their next cycle. The complete menstrual cycle averages 28-29 days with a standard deviation of 7 days. There is more variability in women who are under the age of 25 or over 35, but cycles are typically highly regular (a 95% prediction level) for each individual.
There are natural ways to alleviate some of the symptoms.
In addition to general emotional support, these include aerobic exercise, adequate nutrition (in particular, receiving enough calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6), and decreasing caffeine intake.
Natural sources of Calcium include seaweed, nuts (esp. almunds, hazelnuts, sesame, pistachios), blackstrap molasses, soy beans, figs, kale, and spinach.
Vitamin E can be found in nuts (esp. almonds, hazelnuts), spinach, turnip, beets, collard, avacado, and kiwi.
Vitamin B6 naturally occurs in whole grains, raw vegetables (B vitamins are sensitive to cooking/freezing/canning), nuts and bananas.
While we hope this information is helpful, please remember that the 28 Days Later app and website are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References:
Dickerson, Lori M.; Mazyck, Pamela J.; Hunter, Melissa H. (2003). "Premenstrual Syndrome". American Family Physician 67 (8): 1743-52. PMID 12725453.
Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PW, Shaughn O'Brien PM. (1999). "Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review". British Medical Journal. 318 (7195): 1375-81.