Have you ever woken up with a heavy heart, hypersensitive, with an irrepressible craving for chocolate... for no apparent reason?
And all day long, nothing's going right. You're dreaming of a double chocolate brownie (with ice cream, of course). And if your partner dares to say a cross word to you, it's over—your patience is gone. Maybe it's just your body trying to tell you that your period is coming soon...
These signs are typical of premenstrual syndrome , also known as PMS . It affects about 80% of women and causes a host of physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that appear 1 to 2 weeks before your period . It's caused by hormonal fluctuations, including changes in estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin levels. As a result, your mood, energy, appetite (and skin!) can take a hit.
There are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS, and fortunately, they usually go away as soon as your period starts.
The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
1. Hormonal acne
You thought you'd left that in high school? Yet, here you are with a breakout of pimples right before your period. It's normal: hormones boost sebum production.
2. Intense food cravings
Do you want to eat everything, especially sugar? It's probably your blood sugar and serotonin levels fluctuating. Your body is looking for comfort.
3. Pain and discomfort
Headaches, breast pain, heavy legs, bloating, constipation... Your body is telling you that something is happening.
4. Mood swings
Irritability, impatience, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or unreasonably sad—all of this is your brain trying to adjust to hormonal changes.
How to relieve PMS symptoms?
Move your body
Physical activity stimulates endorphins (happy hormones), improves your sleep and your mood.
Adapt your diet
Eat foods rich in vitamins B, D , calcium , magnesium and Omega-3 . Cut down on refined sugar, salt, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Drinking plenty of water can also reduce water retention .
Try natural products
- Infusions of chasteberry, raspberry or gingko.
- Evening Primrose Oil : Ideal for sore breasts and bloating.
- Essential oils : clary sage, peppermint.
- Acupuncture : some women find real relief from it.
Drugs
For more severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can help. If your PMS is really interfering with your quality of life, talk to your doctor.
You are not alone
The most important thing is to listen to yourself . Rest, do what makes you feel good: a walk, a warm bath, your favorite comfort food… Join discussion groups, talk about it with those around you. Your body is precious. Take care of it.
