ARE YOU ‘PMS’ING??

So you are due any day for your monthly period and you are frustrated, irritated, depressed, tired and you can bash up anyone who is trying to mess with you. You are definitely ‘pms’ing. PMS stands for pre menstrual syndrome and is experienced by around 70% to 90% of menstruating women.
The symptoms occur just before you start your monthly period and disappear once your period begins. Some of the most common symptoms are weight gain, tenderness of the breasts, mood swings, depression, pimple breakouts, abdominal cramps, irritability, food cravings to name a few.
PMS occurs due to hormonal changes in a woman’s body just before her monthly period.
It also occurs due to low levels of the chemical called ‘serotonin’ in the brain which is responsible for mood changes, especially depression. Sweet and fatty foods help raise the serotonin levels in the brain. That is exactly why you crave for chocolates, fried food, etc. A better way to increase the serotonin levels is to consume foods high in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and veggies. These foods make you ‘feel good’.
Many women experience weight gain before their period. This happens mainly due to water retention. Water retention takes place due to excessive consumption of salty foods. Foods high in calcium should be consumed to reduce water retention, e.g. milk and milk products.
Also it is seen that any form of exercise like walking, dancing etc. help relieve symptoms.
If you feel your situation is unusual and/or unbearable visit your gynaecologist.
Finally, if you still feel low go on a full fledged shopping spree!! That’s definitely got to cheer you up!!