It’s that time of the month again: here come the pimples, the intense chocolate cravings, and worst of all, cramps. PMSing is no fun, especially when it leads to fatigue and brutal cramps.
It can be hard enough dealing with all the stresses of college, and when we PMS, this only adds on more stress. Here are some things you should know.
1. Know what you are dealing with.
What exactly is PMS? It stands for “premenstrual syndrome,” associated with mood swings, food craving, fatigue, irritability and even depression. Most of these symptoms tend to occur in a predictable pattern, so get to know your body’s responses.
2. What are the responses your body can have?
That’s simple. Symptoms are broken down into two categories: emotional and physical. Emotional symptoms deal with behavioral issues, including tension or anxiety, crying, mood swings, insomnia, social withdrawal, poor concentration and appetite changes. The physical symptoms are often more serious and usually cause the emotional responses we have. Physical symptoms include joint pain, headaches, weight gain, bloating and acne. Most women only experience a few problems from this long list, but sometimes it can get more severe. If PMS seriously affects your daily lifestyle and activities, you should see your doctor.
3. What causes PMS?
There are several reasons our bodies take on such a toll prior to our periods. The first deals with cyclic changes in our hormones, which also causes chemical changes in the brain. Neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) play a crucial role in mood states. Stress can also aggravate PMS symptoms, so try to plan ahead. Additionally, poor eating habits also cause many of the physical symptoms, including water retention.
4. What can you do?
Most PMS symptoms can be avoided, with small lifestyle changes that are healthy for your body in general.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals and keeping a well-balanced diet can help with acne and headaches.
- Incorporating at least thirty minutes of exercise into your daily routine will improve moods.
- Getting plenty of sleep will reduce stress levels.
However, if none of these work, there are medications your doctor can prescribe that will have stronger effects.
The bottom line is that having PMS is no walk in the park, and it cannot be simply avoided. But by taking simple steps and being aware of your body’s reactions, you can decrease the severity of your PMS symptoms.