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PMS symptoms how many days before your period starts. Premenstrual syndrome in adolescents. How is PMS translated in girls?

Doctors have long puzzled over the causes of female malaise before menstruation. Some healers associated it with the phases of the moon, others with the area in which the woman lived.

The girl’s condition before her period remained a mystery for a long time. Only in the twentieth century the veil of secrecy was lifted a little.

PMS is a mix of 150 different physical and mental symptoms. To one degree or another, about 75% of women experience manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

How long does PMS last for girls? Unpleasant symptoms begin to appear 2-10 days before the start of menstruation, and disappear with the advent of the “red” days of the calendar.

  • Crime chronicle. PMS is not only frayed nerves and broken plates. Most road accidents, crimes, and thefts committed by women occurred between the 21st and 28th days menstrual cycle.
  • Shopping therapy. According to research, a few days before their period, women are most susceptible to the temptation to buy as much as possible.
  • Women engaged in mental work and residents of large cities are more susceptible to symptoms of PMS.
  • The term PMS was first used by Robert Frank, an obstetrician-gynecologist from England.

Why does premenstrual syndrome occur?

Numerous studies have not been able to identify the exact causes of premenstrual syndrome. There are many theories of its occurrence: “water intoxication” (violation water-salt metabolism), allergic nature ( increased sensitivity to endogenous), psychosomatic, hormonal, etc.

But the most complete is the hormonal theory, which explains PMS symptoms fluctuations in the level of sex hormones in the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle. For the normal, harmonious functioning of a woman’s body, the balance of sex hormones is very important:

  • - they improve physical and mental well-being, increase tone, Creative skills, speed of information assimilation, learning abilities
  • progesterone - has sedative effect, which can lead to depressive symptoms in phase 2 of the cycle
  • androgens - affect libido, increase energy, performance

During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, a change occurs hormonal levels women. According to this theory cause of PMS lies in the “inadequate” reaction of the body, including the parts of the brain responsible for behavior and emotions, to cyclical changes in hormonal levels, which is often inherited.

Since the days before menstruation are endocrine unstable, many women experience psycho-vegetative and somatic disorders. In this case, the decisive role is played not so much by the level of hormones (which may be normal), but by fluctuations in the content of sex hormones during the menstrual cycle and how the limbic parts of the brain, responsible for behavior and emotions, react to these changes:

  • an increase in estrogen and first an increase and then a decrease in progesterone- hence fluid retention, swelling, engorgement and tenderness of the mammary glands, cardiovascular disorders, irritability, aggression, tearfulness
  • hypersecretion - also leads to fluid and sodium retention in the body
  • excess prostaglandins— , digestive disorders, migraine-like headaches

The most likely factors influencing the development of the syndrome, about which medical opinions do not differ:

  • Decreased serotonin levels- this is the so-called “hormone of joy”, it may cause the development mental symptoms premenstrual syndrome, since a decrease in its level causes sadness, tearfulness, melancholy and depression.
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency— a lack of this vitamin is indicated by symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention in the body, mood swings, and breast hypersensitivity.
  • Lack of magnesium - magnesium deficiency can cause dizziness, headaches, cravings for chocolate.
  • Smoking. Smoking women twice as likely to experience premenstrual syndrome.
  • Overweight . Women with a body mass index of over 30 are three times more likely to suffer from PMS symptoms.
  • Genetic factor— it is possible that the peculiarities of premenstrual syndrome are inherited.
  • , complicated childbirth, stress, surgical interventions, infections, gynecological pathologies.

Main symptoms and manifestations of premenstrual syndrome

Groups of symptoms for PMS:

  • Neuropsychiatric disorders: aggression, depression, irritability, tearfulness.
  • Vegetovascular disorders: changes blood pressure, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, .
  • Exchange-endocrine disorders: swelling, increased body temperature, chills, engorgement of the mammary glands, itching, flatulence, shortness of breath, thirst, memory loss, .

PMS in women can be divided into several forms, but their symptoms usually do not appear in isolation, but are combined. In the presence of psychovegetative manifestations, especially depression, in women it decreases pain threshold and they perceive pain more acutely.

Neuropsychiatric
Crisis form
Atypical manifestations of PMS
Disturbances in the nervous and emotional spheres:
  • anxiety disorders
  • feeling of unreasonable melancholy
  • depression
  • feeling of fear
  • depression
  • impaired concentration
  • forgetfulness
  • insomnia (see)
  • irritability
  • mood swings
  • decreased or significant increase in libido
  • aggression
  • attacks of tachycardia
  • blood pressure surges
  • heartache
  • attacks of frequent urination
  • panic attacks

Most women have diseases of cardio-vascular system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract.

  • low-grade fever (up to 37.7°C)
  • increased drowsiness
  • bouts of vomiting
  • allergic reactions(ulcerative gingivitis and stomatitis, etc.)
Edema form
Cephalgic form
  • swelling of the face and limbs
  • thirst
  • weight gain
  • itchy skin
  • decreased urine output
  • digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, flatulence)
  • headache
  • joint pain

Negative diuresis with fluid retention is noted.

The leading ones are mainly neurological and vegetative-vascular manifestations:
  • migraine, throbbing pain, radiating to the eye area
  • cardialgia (pain in the heart area)
  • vomiting, nausea
  • tachycardia
  • increased sensitivity to smells, sounds
  • in 75% of women, radiography of the skull shows hyperostosis, increased vascular pattern

The family history of women with this form is burdened with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases.

PMS occurs differently in every woman, and symptoms vary significantly. According to the results of some studies, women with PMS have the following frequency of manifestation of one or another symptom of PMS:

Symptom frequency %

Hormonal theory of PMS

irritability 94
breast tenderness 87
bloating 75
tearfulness 69
  • depression
  • sensitivity to odors
  • headache
56
  • swelling
  • weakness
  • sweating
50
  • heartbeat
  • aggressiveness
44
  • dizziness
  • pain in the lower abdomen
  • nausea
37
  • increase in pressure
  • diarrhea
  • weight gain
19
vomit 12
constipation 6
pain in the spine 3

Premenstrual syndrome may aggravate the course of other diseases:

  • Anemia (see)
  • (cm. )
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Allergic reactions
  • Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs

Diagnostics: what can masquerade as symptoms of PMS?

Since dates and deadlines are easily forgotten, to make your task easier, you should keep a calendar or diary where you write down the start and end dates of menstruation, ovulation (basal temperature), weight, and symptoms that bother you. Keeping such a diary for 2-3 cycles will greatly simplify diagnosis and allow you to track the frequency of PMS symptoms.

The severity of premenstrual syndrome is determined by the number, duration and intensity of symptoms:

  • Mild form: 3-4 symptoms or 1-2 if they are significantly pronounced
  • Severe form: 5-12 symptoms or 2-5, but very pronounced, and regardless of the duration and their number, if they lead to disability (usually the neuropsychiatric form)

The main feature that distinguishes premenstrual syndrome from other diseases or conditions is cyclicality. That is, deterioration in well-being occurs several days before menstruation (from 2 to 10) and completely disappears with their arrival. However, unlike psychovegetative ones, physical discomfort in the first days of the next cycle, they may intensify and gradually turn into disorders such as menstrual migraine.

  • If a woman feels relatively well in phase 1 of the cycle, then this is premenstrual syndrome, not chronic illness- neurosis, depression,
  • If pain appears only immediately before and during menstruation, especially when combined with - this is most likely not PMS, but other gynecological diseases - chronic endometritis, dysmenorrhea ( painful menstruation) and others.

To establish the form of the syndrome, studies of hormones are carried out: prolactin, estradiol and progesterone. The doctor may also prescribe additional methods diagnostics, depending on the prevailing complaints:

  • For severe headaches, dizziness, decreased vision and fainting, it is prescribed CT scan or MRI to exclude organic brain diseases.
  • If there is an abundance of neuropsychiatric diseases, an EEG is indicated to exclude epileptic syndrome.
  • In case of severe edema, changes in the daily amount of urine (diuresis), tests are performed to diagnose the kidneys (see).
  • In case of severe and painful engorgement of the mammary glands, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the mammary glands and mammography to exclude organic pathology.

Not only a gynecologist examines women suffering from PMS, but also involves psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists and therapists.

Premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy?

Some symptoms of PMS are similar to those of pregnancy (see). After conception, the content of the hormone progesterone increases in a woman’s body, which also happens during PMS time, so the following symptoms are identical:

  • fast fatiguability
  • breast swelling and tenderness
  • nausea, vomiting
  • irritability, mood swings
  • lower back pain

How to distinguish pregnancy from PMS? Comparison of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy:

Symptoms Pregnancy Premenstrual syndrome
  • Breast tenderness
accompanies the entire pregnancy with the onset of menstruation the pain goes away
  • Appetite
the attitude towards food changes, you want inedible, salty, beer, things that a woman usually doesn’t like, the sense of smell is greatly heightened, ordinary smells can be very irritating may crave sweet and salty foods, sensitivity to smells
  • Back pain
only in later stages May have lower back pain
  • Increased fatigue
starts 4-5 weeks after conception can appear either immediately after ovulation or 2-5 days before menstruation
mild, short-lived pain individually in each case
  • Emotional condition
frequent change mood, tearfulness irritability
  • Frequent urination
Maybe No
  • Toxicosis
from 4-5 weeks after conception possible nausea, vomiting

The signs of both conditions are very similar, so it is not easy to understand what exactly is happening in a woman’s body and distinguish pregnancy from PMS:

  • The easiest way to find out what caused it bad feeling- wait until your period starts.
  • If the calendar is already late, you should take a pregnancy test. A pharmacy test will give reliable results only if menstruation is delayed. It is sensitive to the pregnancy hormone (hCG) excreted in the urine. If you don’t have the patience and nerves to wait, you can take a blood test for hCG. It shows almost one hundred percent results on the tenth day after conception.
  • The best way to find out what is bothering you is PMS syndrome or pregnancy means visiting a gynecologist. The doctor will assess the condition of the uterus and, if pregnancy is suspected, prescribe an ultrasound.

When to see a doctor

If the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome significantly reduce the quality of life, affect the ability to work and are of a pronounced nature, treatment cannot be avoided. After a thorough examination, the doctor will prescribe drug therapy and will give the necessary recommendations to alleviate the course of the syndrome.

How can a doctor help?

In most cases, treatment is symptomatic. Depending on the form, course and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, a woman needs:

  • Psychotherapy - mood swings, irritability, depression, from which both the woman and her loved ones suffer, are corrected by stabilizing methods behavioral techniques and psycho-emotional relaxation, .
  • For headaches, lower back and abdominal pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for temporary relief. pain syndrome(, Nimesulid, Ketanov see).
  • Diuretics for elimination excess liquid from the body during edema (see).
  • Hormone therapy prescribed for insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle, only after tests functional diagnostics, based on the results of the identified changes. Progestogens are used - Medroxyprogesterone acetate from 16 to 25 days of the cycle.
  • are prescribed for a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms (insomnia, nervousness, aggressiveness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression): Amitriptyline, Rudotel, Tazepam, Sonapax, Sertraline, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. in phase 2 of the cycle after 2 days from the onset of symptoms.
  • In crisis and cephalgic forms, it is possible to prescribe Parlodel in phase 2 of the cycle, or if prolactin is elevated, then in a continuous mode, it has a normalizing effect on the central nervous system.
  • For cephalgic and edematous forms, antiprostaglandin drugs (Indomethacin, Naprosyn) are recommended in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
  • Since women often have increased levels of histamine and serotonin during PMS, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines 2 generations (see) 2 days before the expected worsening of the condition the night before the 2nd day of menstruation.
  • To improve blood circulation in the central nervous system, it is possible to use Grandaxin, Nootropil, Aminolon for 2-3 weeks.
  • In case of crisis, cephalgic and neuropsychic forms, drugs that normalize neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system are indicated - Peritol, Difenin, the doctor prescribes the drug for a period of 3-6 months.
  • Homeopathic medicines Remens or Mastodinon.

What can you do?

  • Full sleep

Try to sleep as long as your body has time to fully rest, usually 8-10 hours (see. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, anxiety and aggression, and negatively affects work immune system. If you suffer from insomnia, try walking before bed and breathing techniques.

  • Aromatherapy

In the absence of allergies, compositions of specially selected aromatic oils are a good weapon against PMS symptoms. Geranium and rose will help normalize the cycle. Lavender and basil effectively fight spasms. Juniper and bergamot improve mood. Baths with aromatic oils Start taking it two weeks before your period.

Hiking, running, Pilates, bodyflex, yoga, dancing are an excellent way to treat the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in women. Regular exercise increases endorphin levels, which helps combat depression and insomnia, and also reduces the severity of physical symptoms.

  • Two weeks before your period, take vitamin B6 and magnesium

Magne B6, Magnerot, as well as vitamins E and A - this will make it much more effective to combat such manifestations of PMS as: rapid heartbeat, heart pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and irritability.

  • Nutrition

Eat more fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and also include calcium-rich foods in your diet. Temporarily limit the consumption of coffee, chocolate, cola, as caffeine increases mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. The daily diet should include 10% fat, 15% protein and 75% carbohydrates. Fat intake should be reduced, and beef consumption, some types of which contain artificial estrogens, should also be limited. Useful herbal teas, freshly squeezed juices, especially carrot and lemon. It's better not to drink alcohol, it depletes your reserves mineral salts and B vitamins, disrupts carbohydrate metabolism, reduces the liver’s ability to utilize hormones.

  • Relaxation practices

Avoid stress, try not to overwork and maintain a positive mood and thinking; relaxation practices - yoga, meditation - help with this.

  • Regular sex

This helps fight insomnia, stress and bad mood, increases endorphin levels, and strengthens the immune system. At this time, many women experience increased sexual appetite– why not surprise your partner and try something new?

  • Medicinal plants

They can also help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: Vitex - relieves heaviness and pain in the mammary glands, Primrose (evening primrose) - from headaches and swelling, - excellent antidepressant, normalizes libido, improves well-being and reduces fatigue.

Balanced diet, adequate exercise stress, vitamin supplements, healthy sleep, regular sex, and a positive attitude towards life will help alleviate the psychological and physical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

The concept of the menstrual cycle refers to the painstaking work of the body, which prepares for the conception of a child: the uterus is lined with a special layer of tissue, a comfortable place is prepared for the baby during pregnancy, and the egg matures. If conception does not take place, then the body gets rid of the achieved results in order to start all over again.

Before the start of a new cycle, a woman experiences unpleasant moments or signs before menstruation, called PMS. They are accompanied by lingering pain in the lower abdomen, increased irritability, fatigue. However, pregnancy and menstruation, the symptoms of which are very similar, may have similar symptoms. It is important for every woman to learn to distinguish them from each other.

Menstruation or pregnancy

Once fertilization has occurred in a woman's body, the menstrual cycle stops until the baby is born.

However, in some cases, women continue to experience bleeding for several months. These discharges can hardly be called full menstruation. They are sparse, brownish or reddish in color. Essentially, the fertilized egg implants itself into the walls of the uterus, which can result in minor tears and bleeding. They may appear once, or they may occur periodically; the fruit will not reach a certain size. Such discharge cannot be called menstruation, and its appearance is a reason to visit a doctor.

Main signs before menstruation

Unpleasant sensations associated with the onset of menstruation can be very individual. However, the most common period symptoms are:

  • painful sensations in the lower back, abdomen, chest;
  • depressive mood combined with sleep disturbances;
  • headache.

If you compare the symptoms of menstruation with the first signs of pregnancy, you can come to the conclusion that they are very similar. At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may be drowsy, irritable, sudden changes moods. To understand the manifestations of the body, you need to learn to listen to yourself and feel changes.

Watch yourself for a few months. If the symptoms before your period are headache and back pain, then it is likely that these symptoms will not bother you once you become pregnant. If, on the contrary, the signs of the onset of menstruation are unknown to you, then you can say with reasonable certainty that pregnancy has occurred if you suffer from migraines, excessive irritability, mood swings.

Temperature changes may also indicate a change in condition. A woman's temperature rises by several degrees during ovulation. If it has returned to a constant level, then you should prepare for the onset of menstruation. If the temperature column has frozen at increased rate, then we can talk about pregnancy. However, this method also has an error individual characteristics. In order to speak with confidence about normal or elevated temperature, it needs to be measured daily for several months in a row in order to have a picture of changes in body temperature over a certain period.

Pregnancy symptoms

In addition to delayed menstruation, pregnancy can manifest itself with a number of other symptoms:

  • Constant fatigue can be caused by hormonal changes in the body, which are among the first signs of conception.
  • The breast reaction may become aggravated. All touches to it become painful, and sometimes there is an increase in volume.
  • Cramps, pain in the lower abdomen, which happens before menstruation, can be one of the signs of pregnancy before the delay.
  • Small vaginal discharge, which are a sign of attachment of the egg to the uterus.
  • Nausea may appear along with a delay in menstruation and go away fairly quickly or accompany the woman throughout pregnancy.
  • A constant urge to urinate is associated with gradual increase blood in the body, as well as other fluids that ensure the vital functions of the mother and the unborn baby. The longer you are pregnant, the more often you will have to visit the toilet. However, this symptom should not be confused with possible manifestation inflammatory diseases, for example, cystitis.
  • Glitches in the schedule. If previously menstruation appeared on a clearly designated day, and now even after PMS periods are absent, then fertilization may have occurred.
  • Sensitivity to odors is an early sign of pregnancy and is caused by sharp increase level of estrogen in the blood.
  • Increasing the temperature a few notches can tell you a lot, but you'll have to keep a temperature log to do that.
  • Positive test response. Pharmacy tests can rarely detect pregnancy before your period is missed. If you notice other signs of pregnancy and the test shows negative result, it is worth repeating the study in a few days.

What a woman should always pay attention to

Pain in the mammary glands, increase in volume and swelling may indicate both menstruation and pregnancy. The appearance of colostrum secreted from the nipples will tilt the diagnosis in favor of the latter. However, breast pain in a specific area, combined with discharge from the nipples, against the background of excluding pregnancy, is a reason for an urgent visit to a mammologist, since such symptoms may indicate oncology.

All of the above has one big amendment: each organism has its own individuality. If you cannot determine exactly what signs are bothering you, buy a pharmacy test. If your schedule is delayed and you suspect you are pregnant, you can contact a gynecologist who will examine you and prescribe the appropriate tests. However, in most cases, a woman intuitively determines the presence of pregnancy better than any tests or analyses.

Every woman faces the arrival of her period and quickly recognizes the signs of PMS over time. For many, this period is characterized by a state of discomfort and changes in mood. Numerous studies have not identified the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome. One of the versions is considered hormonal changes in the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle.

What are the signs of PMS before menstruation?

For normal reproductive ability in female body Special hormones are produced: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogens improve physical well-being, increase tone and the ability to quickly perceive information. Progesterone suppresses the nervous system, especially in phase 2 of the cycle.

On the eve of menstruation, sex hormones fluctuate. Their increase affects the nervous system, causing its depression.

In addition, the level of serotonin decreases, which directly affects the hormone of joy. Depression occurs, which may lead to increased cravings for sweets. A lack of vitamin B causes swelling, weight gain, and breast tenderness. The genetic factor is also important psychological condition waiting for your period.

Main symptoms of PMS:

  • Disorders nervous system, hysteria, depression, insomnia;
  • Pressure changes;
  • Nausea;
  • Malaise;
  • Edema;
  • Breast swelling and tenderness;
  • Abdominal and lower back pain;
  • Acne rash;
  • Mild chills;
  • Deterioration of vision.

Each woman experiences PMS differently, and the frequency pathological disorders not the same. Diseases can aggravate discomfort endocrine system, female genital organs, allergic reactions, epilepsy.

How many days before menstruation does this condition begin? Each body is different, but most women noted these symptoms 2-8 days before their period.

What is the difference between PMS and early signs of pregnancy?

Premenstrual syndrome goes away after the start of the menstrual cycle. Blood pressure normalizes, mood improves, and well-being improves. To accurately know the onset of menstruation, you need to keep a monthly calendar. The table will simplify the diagnosis of symptoms and allow you to analyze your condition.

The severity of PMS is determined by the number of days and severity of symptoms. Unlike other ailments, the syndrome has a constant cyclicity. Its symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation.

PMS symptoms are similar to the first signs of pregnancy. After ovulation, progesterone begins to increase, as in the case of premenstrual syndrome.

Same symptoms:

  • Enlargement of the mammary glands;
  • Fatigue, dizziness;
  • Changes in mood;
  • Pain in the lumbar region.

Pregnancy can be distinguished by several signs. If a change in appetite occurs, sensitivity to odors increases, and an unreasonable refusal to eat occurs.

If a woman listens to her body, she will find several differences:

  1. Difference between breast swelling. With PMS, the breasts have less sensitivity and pain.
  2. Increased fatigue. In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman feels more tired. This is due to an increase in progesterone.
  3. Abdominal pain in the area of ​​the ovaries. With PMS, the pain is more pronounced and lasts longer. Conception gives only short-term discomfort when the egg attaches to the wall of the uterus.
  4. With the onset of menstruation, the lower back is pulled. This is due to the detachment of the uterine lining and the production of blood cells. During pregnancy, such pain in the first weeks is not typical.
  5. The change in mood is different. Expectant mother fill more positive emotions, which can suddenly lead to mood swings.

The sensations of PMS and pregnancy are quite similar, but there are some significant differences.

Determine: condition before menstruation or pregnancy

Each organism is individual. Some find it very difficult to distinguish the signs of PMS from pregnancy. early stages. The syndromes are so similar that it is easy to confuse them.

Conditions characteristic during pregnancy:

  1. Toxicosis becomes a clear sign of pregnancy. This condition appears immediately after attachment of the zygote to uterine wall. His acute phase occurs within a week of pregnancy. With PMS, such sensations do not occur. Although not every pregnant woman experiences toxicosis.
  2. A specific phenomenon is the introduction of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus, which is accompanied by damage to small blood capillaries. In this case, small bloody issues. They come out once and don't continue. This is the main sign of a piquant situation.

After pregnancy, a woman’s body begins to change rapidly. Increases in blood hCG level And basal temperature that indicate pregnancy.

A woman needs to wait until her period arrives. In case of delay, you can do a special pregnancy test. This procedure determines ovulation by 90 percent. High sensitivity to hCG allows you to accurately determine the result.

Various conditions: what can pregnancy be confused with?

In some cases, a woman may experience premenstrual symptoms, but a missed period suggests another thought. Why did the woman think she was pregnant, but it turned out she wasn’t?

One of the reasons is an ovarian cyst. It is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and tenderness of the mammary glands. The syndrome is similar to the onset of ovulation and the first signs of pregnancy.

In this case, there is a delay or interruption in menstruation if menstruation comes earlier or is absent altogether.

Sometimes a woman’s body experiences a change in hormonal levels, which can lead to ovarian dysfunction. In this case, PMS symptoms may be pronounced or completely absent.

The sensations are similar to the beginning of menstruation, but the delay continues and the menstrual cycle does not occur. In this case, the girl may think about pregnancy.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance:

  • Spotting;
  • Lower abdomen hurts;
  • Chest tension.

At the same time, the lower back may pull and ache, and drowsiness increases. It is necessary to immediately take a pregnancy test to confirm or refute this condition.

Sometimes for food poisoning accept toxicosis and try to get rid of discomfort with modern medicines, which is extremely undesirable in the early stages of pregnancy.

When does bloating occur: before menstruation or pregnancy?

Symptoms of approaching menstruation include bloating and rumbling in the abdomen. This means that the egg has been released and is moving towards the uterus.

Main culprit of change slim figure is progesterone. It controls a woman's reproductive ability. Under its action, thickening and filling occurs useful substances internal genital organs. Pulls to the mucous membrane a large number of liquid, the structure loosens and the volume increases. As soon as the body realizes that fertilization has not occurred, the endometrium will exfoliate, releasing bleeding, and the stomach will return to its previous state in 2-3 days.

However, an enlarged belly may indicate 2 or 3 weeks of pregnancy. Then, with each subsequent period, the belly will only increase.

In some cases, when taking contraceptives, the following phenomena may occur:

  • Bloating;
  • Heartburn and belching;
  • Increase in body weight;
  • Headaches and migraines.

Some ladies noted that their stomachs often grumble, irritability and nervousness increase.

A woman trying to get pregnant can often confuse PMS and the onset of conception. She feels similar conditions: tearfulness, lack of appetite, breast swelling.

The first signs of PMS (video)

For any delay in menstruation, you must contact a specialist who will help identify the problem, prescribe treatment, or register for pregnancy.

A few days before the onset of menstruation, many women experience rather unpleasant sensations in their bodies, a feeling of discomfort, often accompanied by an unstable psycho-emotional state. During this period they experience increased fatigue, irritability, causeless mood swings.

To understand why the behavior of girls changes, what happens to the female body before menstruation, it is necessary to understand what PMS is in women. How to alleviate your condition and what to do when it occurs?

What is PMS in girls?

According to statistics, almost 50% of women experience PMS; experts call it cyclic tension syndrome.

How is PMS translated in girls?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, which manifests itself as a complex of symptoms; it can be observed in girls 2-10 days before the onset of menstruation. Many people, especially men, believe that PMS is female whim, a myth that women themselves came up with to justify their Bad mood, but this is an erroneous statement. Premenstrual syndrome is officially recognized as a disease that occurs with to varying degrees severity requiring treatment.

Signs and symptoms

What is PMS in girls and women, what are the signs and symptoms of premenstrual tension? In most cases, women can experience and manifest several symptoms and signs of the disease at the same time. The most common symptom and sign is painful swelling of the mammary glands, which can be mistaken for pregnancy. Signs of cyclic tension syndrome include:
nagging pain in the lower back, lower abdomen;
- a woman may experience and experience increased sensitivity to odors, increased appetite;
usual life changes: irritability, tearfulness, frequent mood swings, drowsiness, aggressiveness are observed, normal life changes;
- Some people have a headache, nausea or vomiting at this time.

How long does PMS last in girls and why does it occur?

The main reason for the appearance of premenstrual tension is hormonal imbalance, which occurs in the female body between estrogens and progesterone. Premenstrual syndrome can be a consequence of various gynecological diseases, operations. As a rule, discomfort, pain and changes in behavior in women begin to occur within one day, sometimes 10 days before menstruation begins. How long can this condition last? All of the above symptoms gradually begin to disappear on the day of menstruation, but there are cases that all the signs of the painful syndrome persist even after its onset; this condition requires consultation with a gynecologist.

What to do when PMS occurs in girls or women?

At the first manifestations of approaching premenstrual syndrome, it is necessary to avoid stressful situations, establish a daily routine and get more rest. If you suffer from headaches or nausea, it would be a good idea to take a day off and stay at home. You need to reconsider your diet. Eliminate fried foods, alcohol and coffee, include vegetables and fruits in the menu, drink herbal teas, especially those that have a calming effect. Calm walks are beneficial fresh air, swimming or warm, relaxing aromatic baths.

How do girls feel during PMS and how do they behave?

Every woman experiences premenstrual syndrome differently. Some women, in addition to headaches, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, may gain a little weight (up to 2 kg), this is due to fluid retention in the body. There is a change in appearance, acne appears on the face. But the most significant changes occur in behavior: the mood can change every minute, a girl can be irritable, aggressive, whiny, become depressed, she wants to sleep all the time, her appetite increases, and her taste preferences change. Each body reacts to premenstrual tension individually.

How to communicate during PMS in a girl?

What should others do and how should they behave with someone who has premenstrual syndrome? Changes in habitual behavior and mood swings that accompany the disease can make a balanced and nice girl capricious and nervous. Loving man should be more sensitive and attentive to his soulmate at this time. This behavior of hers is a temporary phenomenon, be more tolerant, do not provoke her to quarrels and conflicts.

How to treat?

PMS in a girl is very painful and lasts for a long time, requires treatment to alleviate her condition. To calm and reduce nervous tension Herbal-based sedatives are used, of course (Novopasit). When it is necessary to balance hormones in the body, it is prescribed hormonal agents(Utrozhestan, Duphaston). If you need to relieve pain, you can use Diclofenac.

If you suddenly find yourself craving a sandwich... butter, or burst into tears of emotion at the sight small child, or you're itching to buy a pair of earrings that you're unlikely to wear, stop for a moment and ask yourself if you're about to get your period. If soon, your unusual behavior may be caused by premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS). This is a specific condition that precedes menstruation and, to one degree or another, is characteristic of most women. When PMS hits, just try to calm down and control your actions. When your period starts, you will return to your normal state.

Premenstrual tension syndrome is associated with regular fluctuations in the level of hormones in the blood.

Previously, premenstrual syndrome was considered as psychological illness, until researchers have proven that this condition is of an organic nature, caused by changes in hormone levels in the body.

Increase the production of aldosterone, which causes a lot of changes in the body,
- increase the level of monoamine oxidase (a substance released in brain tissue that can cause depression),
- lower the level of (a substance released in the brain tissue that affects activity levels and mood).

Some women PMS It passes calmly, in others it is very violent, but the time of onset of symptoms is always predictable. This is what makes it possible to distinguish premenstrual tension syndrome from other diseases. Changes in emotional and physical condition appear 7-10 days before menstruation, and disappear almost immediately after the start of menstruation. These dates can be established by keeping a menstrual diary for several months, noting in it all the symptoms and dates of the beginning and end of menstruation.
If symptoms persist throughout your menstrual cycle, PMS may not be the cause. In this case, you should contact a psychiatrist.

Causes of premenstrual syndrome

The appearance of premenstrual tension syndrome in some women and its absence in others is associated, first of all, with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and the individual reactions of the whole body to them. However, recently scientists have begun to explore other possible reasons of this condition (no definitive evidence yet):

Monthly cyclical fluctuations in the amount of certain substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which include endorphins, which affect mood,
- poor nutrition: symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as mood swings, fluid retention in the body, increased breast sensitivity, fatigue are associated with B6 deficiency, while headaches, dizziness, palpitations and cravings for chocolate are caused by magnesium deficiency,
- hereditary factor. It has been proven that identical twins are much more likely to suffer from PMS together than fraternal twins. There may be a genetic predisposition to PMS.

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Physical symptoms:

Increased sensitivity or even tenderness of the breasts,
- breast enlargement,
- fluid retention in the body, leading to swelling of the legs and arms and weight gain of about 2 kg,
- headaches, especially migraines,
- nausea, vomiting and dizziness,
- and joints and specific back pain,
- in some cases constipation, diarrhea,
- extreme thirst and frequent urination,
- cravings for food, especially salty or sweet foods, intolerance to alcohol,
- lethargy, fatigue or vice versa, energy,
- palpitations and flushing of the face,
- increase in the number of acne.

Psychological symptoms:

Frequent mood changes
- , blues, feeling of depression,
- constant tension and irritability,
- insomnia or prolonged sleep,
- absent-mindedness and forgetfulness.
Some women may experience more severe symptoms:
- panic
- thoughts of suicide
- aggressiveness, tendency to violence.

What can you do

Do physical exercise. Study Shows Regular Exercise Reduces PMS Symptoms, Perhaps? this is due to the release of endorphins or other substances in the brain that relieve stress and improve mood.

Sleep 8-9 hours a day. Lack of sleep aggravates anxiety and other negative emotions, and increases irritability. If you suffer from insomnia, find a way to combat it. Deep breathing and others simple ways Relaxation before bed turns out to be very effective in many cases. Before going to bed, take a hot bath and drink a glass of warm milk.

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. During PMS, try to limit your intake of foods such as coffee, cheese and chocolate. Their use has been linked to migraines and many other PMS symptoms, such as anxiety states, frequent changes mood and palpitations.

Don't eat a lot, limit sweets, it's better to take some fruit.

Maintain a constant level of insulin in the blood by eating small meals about 6 times a day, this is better than eating a large portion once. Try to eat healthy.

Nutritionists recommend daily in the form of food additives consume vitamin B6 (50-100 mg) and magnesium (250 mg). In addition, doctors prescribe additional calcium intake, which, together with magnesium, eliminates PMS symptoms and protects against osteoporosis, and iron (to fight anemia).

Many women say that primrose oil (a substance rich in important fatty acids). Check with your doctor about the dosage for you.

Stay away from crowds, don't go outside unnecessarily if the weather is bad, and get plenty of vitamin C (an antioxidant and immune system booster) as possible. Women suffering from PMS get sick more often. Scientists believe that this is a consequence of a weakened immune system before the onset of menstruation, which makes the body vulnerable to viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

What can a doctor do?

Since the causes of the disease are not completely clear, PMS treatment focuses on mitigating its symptoms:

For anxiety, insomnia and others psychological symptoms the doctor may prescribe tranquilizers or sedatives. However long-term use These medications are undesirable because they are addictive. Newer antidepressants have shown to be effective for PMS, but they must be taken under medical supervision.

For migraines associated with PMS, your doctor may prescribe special therapy aimed at preventing headache attacks. To relieve pain, most doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as.

For swelling or other signs of fluid retention, diuretics are prescribed, which must be started 5-7 days before the start of menstruation.

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe progesterones and other hormones for PMS.

Prevention of PMS

Any disorder in the body, the causes of which are not clear, is difficult to prevent. At the moment the best way Control of a given situation is the ability to cope with it, not prevention.