What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a grouping of physical and emotional symptoms that regularly occur about one week prior to the start of each menstrual period. The most probable cause is an imbalance in hormones, especially the decrease of progesterone and increased levels of progesterone, the fluctuations of which can often affect one’s mood and perception of pain. Increased levels of the hormone prolactin, or decreased levels of the so-called happiness hormone "serotonin may also be to blame.

Symptoms of PMS

PMS can encompass up to an estimated one-hundred different symptoms. The most common emotional manifestations include:

• irritability, moodiness, depression,
• hypersensitivity
• emotional volatility
• lack of concentration

Premenstrual syndrome is also accompanied by a number of physical symptoms. The most common are:

• headache
• increased sensitivity and tension in the chest
• lower abdominal pain
• feeling of fullness, bloating and changes in appetite
• changes in libido
• sleep disorders
• fatigue
• water retention in the body and weight gain
• swelling of the joints
• worsening of acne
• changes in hair quality

PMS treatment

Treatment of premenstrual syndrome mainly revolves around symptom relief (especially pain) and focusing on preventive measures. Symptoms can be reduced by following a balanced diet focused around eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and maintaining fluids. Vitamins B6 and E, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium have been shown to have beneficial effects. Almonds and poppies are suitable sources of magnesium and calcium, zinc, iron and B vitamins can be found in pumpkin seeds. On the other hand, reducing the amount of salt, sugars, alcohol and caffeine during this period may reduce symptoms.

Physical activity is also recommended for symptom relief. Try for example, yoga, aerobic exercises or a simple walk outside. Exercise helps relieve pain while also improving the mood- kills two birds with one stone!

The course of PMS is also alleviated using natural treatments. Many homeopathic medicines are currently available on the market, but common herbs also help. Pain and irritability are relieved by lady’s mantles, perforate St John's-wort may aid with digestion and a bad mood. Cumin and fennel are effective for bloating.

TIP: During PMS, herbs are most effective in the form of teas. You will find these and many more at our pharmacy.

In case of severe symptoms, don’t be scared to seek medical attention.

"Women often feel that dealing with premenstrual syndrome is just an inevitable burden of their fate and the only thing that can be done is learning how to endure it. Sometimes, however, the symptoms are so severe that they can impede normal daily activities. Especially in these cases, it is appropriate to consult a doctor about the problem. In addition to freely available products that suppress individual symptoms, it is possible to alleviate the course of PMS, by using hormonal contraception as an example, "says Dr. Miroslav Verner, chief physician of gynaecology at Canadian Medical.