• PMS can include both physical and psychological symptoms. 
• According to this study, around 20 to 40 percent of women of reproductive age suffer from PMS.
• Based on current research into the causes, it can be assumed that hormone fluctuations can lead to PMS.
• There are a few things women can do to relieve PMS symptoms on their own.

The premenstrual syndrome – PMS for short – is the most common gynecological complaint. PMS mostly affects women over the age of 30. Only mild symptoms appear in up to 50 percent of women.

However, around two to five percent of the women affected suffer from a severe form of PMS, which means that their everyday life and quality of life is severely impaired. The strong form has been a recognized independent disease since 2000, which is also known as PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or PMDS (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).

PMS symptoms can appear in the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle. There are over 150 known symptoms.

Common complaints include the following:

• Feeling of tension in the chest and abdomen
• abdominal cramps
• pain (headache, back, joint or muscle pain)
• Water retention
• Digestive problems such as constipation or gas
• vomiting and nausea
• Changed appetite and cravings
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Acne, blemishes or other skin problems
• Insomnia such as difficulty staying asleep or falling asleep
• hot flashes
• Stinging or tingling sensation in feet and hands

• Depression
• Anxiety
• listlessness
• irritability
• mood swings
• concentration problems
• Inner unrest
• Hypersensitivity

PMS can also make some diseases worse. These diseases can include migraines, respiratory diseases, connective tissue disorders, seizure disorders, sleep disorders, and depression or other mood disorders.

There is still no conclusive explanation about the cause of premenstrual syndrome. It can be assumed that hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can play a significant role in the development of the symptoms. Progesterone is particularly important here. This hormone can build up in the second half of the cycle after ovulation. If the release of estrogen drops at the same time, this could be the reason for PMS.

Experts also suspect an influence of female hormones on serotonin and other messenger substances in the brain. During the cycle, the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin can fluctuate. This messenger substance is also known as the happiness hormone. The level of serotonin can drop rapidly just before the start of menstruation.

Breast pain and swelling of the mammary glands can be caused by the hormone prolactin. The hormone normally rises naturally in the second half of the cycle. Hypothyroidism is also discussed as a cause of PMS. In addition, a reduced melatonin level could cause the symptoms.

However, it is still unclear why some women are severely affected by PMS and others are unaffected or less affected. There is probably not just one cause, but rather several factors that lead to the symptoms. Experts speak of a psychoendocrine dysfunction - a malfunction of the hormone control, the nervous system and/or the psyche. In addition, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, the consumption of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine promote premenstrual syndrome.

In contrast, according to this study, for the severe form (PMDD) a proven cause. Those affected would react hypersensitively to sex hormones, with the hypersensitivity being genetically determined. 

Since there are only a few meaningful studies on PMS, there is no universally effective treatment. There is no therapy that works for all women.

Many affected women take painkillers to relieve abdominal cramps, headaches or other period pains. The birth control pill can relieve the symptoms. 

In addition, the following measures can help to relieve PMS symptoms:

Some supplements can relieve PMS symptoms. These remedies include chaste tree, vitamins B6 and B12, calcium and St. John's wort. is recommended our dietary supplement håvsund Harmony, which contains the above ingredients and other nutrients. Our product is purely herbal and hormone-free.

Antidepressants can relieve psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are used. These drugs require a prescription and should only be taken in consultation with a doctor.

A healthy and balanced diet is generally recommended. If you suffer from PMS, you should eat low in sugar and high in protein. Include high-fiber foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods high in calcium in your diet.

Low-fat meat and root vegetables, beans, pasta or other complex carbohydrates are also recommended. Coffee, alcohol and canned foods can contribute to the symptoms of PMS. If you experience fluid retention or bloating, you may want to reduce your salt intake.

Exercise can help relieve anxiety, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, irritability, and digestive problems. If you don't like being active in sports, you can incorporate daily walks into your everyday life.

Get enough sleep. You should sleep at least 7 hours a night. Yoga, meditation, or other relaxation methods can help reduce stress. Treat yourself to additional breaks and consciously create islands of calm in your everyday life.

A medical history is usually taken first. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and would like to know, among other things, how frequent and how intense the PMS symptoms are. The data provide the doctor with information on whether other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or depression can be ruled out because some diseases have similar symptoms. An investigation is also carried out.

These records are also important and necessary for the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This condition can only be diagnosed if the affected woman notes down the symptoms over two cycles. The doctors adhere to guidelines: A woman must have at least five psychological PMS symptoms that occur during most cycles in a year.

Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6964059/#:~:text=Altogether%20results%20show%2C%20that%20up,(PMDD)%20%5B10%5D. 
• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/94733/Studie-Alkoholkonsum-ist-haeufiger-Verursacher-des-praemenstruellen-Syndroms 
• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/72278/Biologische-Ursache-der-praemenstruellen-dysphorischen-Stoerung-gefunden