What is PMS?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a condition that affects many women of childbearing age. Between 50% and 80% of women are believed to experience PMS.

Symptoms are highly variable from one woman to another and from cycle to cycle; these very different and numerous symptoms can be mild, bothersome, or extremely disruptive to daily life.

While PMS is manageable for most women, about 5% experience a very severe form known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Types of symptoms, daily severity, causes, factors, solutions, Louloucup supports you and helps you better understand and cope with PMS.

This women’s health issue usually occurs from a week to just a few hours before your period. Some women may even notice symptoms two weeks before their period.

The woman's menstrual cycle is then in the luteal phase.

During this final phase of the hormonal cycle, the ovarian follicle ruptures and releases the egg; this corpus luteum then releases progesterone, which thickens the endometrium. Estrogen and progesterone are both at high levels. PMS is directly linked to these hormone levels.

To learn everything about the menstrual cycle, check out our in-depth series of articles on the different phases of the cycle:

• The Menstrual Cycle. Periods,

• The Menstrual Cycle. The follicular phase,

• The Menstrual Cycle. Ovulation,

• The menstrual cycle. The luteal phase.

You’ll know everything about the female cycle! Do you have a particularly long or rather short menstrual cycle? Once again, Louloucup is here to help you figure it out. 

• temporary weight gain, bloating, water retention,
• constipation or diarrhea, digestive issues,
• breast pain (tightness, pulling, heaviness in the chest and breasts),
• eating disorders: cravings, appetite changes, inexplicable urges for certain foods,
• headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, fainting, feeling unwell,
• mild to severe fatigue, lack of energy, lethargy,
• nausea, vomiting,
• Acne, itching, dermatitis, skin rashes,
• menstrual pain, lower abdominal cramps, abdominal cramps,
• back pain, joint pain, muscle pain,
• swelling, tingling sensations in the hands and feet,
• hot flashes,
• hypersensitivity to certain lights, smells, sounds, or touch.

It’s worth noting that many physical symptoms are similar to those experienced during your period (cramps, back pain, constipation, bloating, fatigue, etc.)

• stress,
• confusion,
• Irritability, aggression, low mood, negativity, anger,
• depressive feelings, depressive moods,
• low mood, lack of motivation, apathy,
• unexplained feeling of sadness,
• Feeling overwhelmed, not competent enough,
• desire to isolate yourself from others, not wanting to see or talk to anyone,
• easy crying for no real reason, crying spells,
• emotional hypersensitivity, heightened emotions in response to a situation,
• feeling of exasperation,
• Mood swings,
• lack of focus, difficulty concentrating on a task or at work,
• Heavy sleep or insomnia,
• decreased libido.

When PMS becomes so debilitating that it prevents a woman from going about her normal day, it is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. This condition is an intensified, much more severe form of PMS that should not be ignored and requires treatment.

PMDD typically appears between the ages of 30 and 35 and occurs during the luteal phase. Psychological and emotional symptoms are heightened: depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, loss of interest in daily life and important things, a need for protection—in short, PMS symptoms experienced much more strongly and intensely.

Cognitive and behavioral therapies can be real solutions to help women better manage their emotions, accept them, and live with them.  

Some women are more prone to premenstrual syndrome and its symptoms. In fact, several factors can contribute to this, including: 

• Genetics: For a long time, doctors and scientific researchers have been questioning PMS and have found that the risks are much higher if a close relative has experienced it. However, no genetic cause has been formally confirmed. These are only studies and observations, but since your genes influence every aspect of your physical and emotional health, it’s reasonable to assume that PMS is linked to genetics.  

• Stress: Several studies have shown that when you’re under stress or facing any kind of pressure, such as work or family pressure, stress can trigger PMS symptoms. Bloating and menstrual pain are the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 

• Diet: Among the factors of PMS is diet. Indeed, your nutrition can greatly affect your menstrual cycle. The intensity of PMS-related symptoms can vary. The symptoms most commonly linked to this factor include irritability, anxiety, and bloating. 

• Depression: Research shows that women experiencing PMS symptoms are at higher risk of developing forms of depression. More specifically, this refers to postpartum or prepartum depression. 

• Chemical changes: In some women, hormonal fluctuations can cause the brain to produce an excessive amount of chemicals. Serotonin, for example, directly influences sleep and mood. As a result, emotional PMS symptoms can be more intense if the chemical changes lead to an excess of serotonin.