Premenstrual Syndrome: Men's Worst Nightmare?

It's a common belief (among the guys, of course) that man suffers whenever a woman is having premenstrual syndrome. This is not entirely accurate. True, emotional irritability is one of the many symptoms of PMS, but not every women with premenstrual syndrome experience this problem. And if PMS was to be someone's worst nightmare, it would be more likely to be a woman's.

Premenstrual syndrome: men's worst nightmare?

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. These symptoms occur during the two weeks before a woman's period starts, known as the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Three out of four menstruating women have at least one symptom as part of their monthly cycle. PMS symptoms characteristically become more intense in the 2-3 days prior to the period and usually resolve after the first day or two of flow.

Women who are between their late 20s to early 40s, those who gave birth at least once, and those who have a history of mood disorder are more prone to have PMS. Most women have only mild symptoms, but around 3-8% may have a severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with disabling symptoms that affect their daily functions.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Symptoms varies between one woman and the other, but they usually follows a predictable pattern and recur each month with variable intensity. Physical symptoms include fatigue, headache, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, bloating, acne, and changes in bowel movements. Mental and behavioral symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, poor concentration, cravings, insomnia, and social withdrawal.

The exact causes of PMS are still unknown, but cyclic changes in hormones level seem to play an important part. Low levels of serotonin, a type of brain chemical, may also trigger PMS symptoms. Stress, depression, poor eating habit can make the symptoms worse.

How to manage PMS?

Management of PMS consists of lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medications, and vitamin and mineral supplementation. For most women, lifestyle changes are often enough to control symptoms.

• Drink enough fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and soft drinks.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and divide the portion into small, frequent meals.
• Regular physical exercise throughout the month will help reduce the severity of PMS.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce back pain, headache, and cramps.
• Nutritional supplements like vitamin B6 (50-100 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), calcium (1000mg), folic acid (0,4 mg) and magnesium (400 mg) may reduce symptoms in general. 
• In severe cases, your physician may prescribe anti-depressant medications.