PMS, Please Make Sense
4th Dec 2018
Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) – what it is and how it works
In this article, we are not referring to PMS as in Premenstrual syndrome, but the less common phenomenon known as Post Menstrual Syndrome.
So, what actually is post menstrual syndrome?
One way to define post menstrual syndrome is the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that women face within one to two weeks after their monthly period is over.
Difference between premenstrual and post menstrual syndrome
Even though there are two different things, there are only a few fundamental differences between premenstrual and post menstrual syndrome.
1. Timing - Premenstrual syndrome occurs one to two weeks prior to the monthly menstrual cycle, whereas post menstrual syndrome occurs after.
2. Hormonal imbalance - Another difference is the hormonal imbalance. There is a theory that the cause of post menstrual syndrome is due to an overflow of hormones. Unlike premenstrual where the progesterone decreases
3. Commonness - Studies showcase that women face premenstrual syndrome a lot more than post menstrual syndrome.
4. Severity of psychological changes - Post Menstrual Syndrome is often associated with more severe psychological changes in comparison to premenstrual syndrome.
Symptoms of post menstrual syndrome can be classified into two categories: physical changes and psychological changes.
Symptoms of physical changes
- Gaining weight
- Headaches
- Pain in joints
- Food cravings
- Feeling bloated
- Severe cramps
- Tenderness in breasts
- Spotty skin/ acne
- Diarrhea
- Migraine
- Vaginal discomfort
These are just some of the symptoms but you get the gist. Basically, just a load of pain and uncomfortableness all over.
Symptoms of psychological changes
- Feeling depressed
- Crying /tearing up
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Feeling irritable
- Anger
- Lack of concentration
- Difficulty to sleep /insomnia
- Feeling mentally drained
- A change in sex drive
These symptoms are quite similar to premenstrual syndrome, but they might be a little more intense.
Ways to deal with the changes
Similarly to deal with premenstrual syndrome, focus on these to reduce the discomfort caused:
- Get enough sleep
- Daily exercise
- Manage stress levels
- Yoga
Other things you need to know about post menstrual syndrome
Not everyone who menstruates experiences post menstrual syndrome.
Typically, the symptoms can last for a couple of days. However, there have been cases where women have had symptoms for up to two weeks. The symptoms of post menstrual syndrome usually stop before ovulation begins.
According to Dr. Soma Mandal, a women’s health specialist, there are several factors that contribute to undergoing the symptoms of post menstrual syndrome. These factors include hormonal imbalances (insulin, estrogen, progesterone, etc.) and diet. Keeping away from a high sugar diet can help you avoid the physical and psychological symptoms of post menstrual syndrome.
Regardless of which PMS we are going through – premenstrual or post menstrual syndrome – the only PMS we really need is Please Make Sense.
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