London - It’s no mean feat, but I managed to fall out with five people in the space of an afternoon recently.
One face-to-face encounter, a Skype session, an e-mail exchange and two Google Chats and I was at risk of halving my circle of close friends in one fell swoop. It was only afterwards that the fog began to lift and I could see the afternoon for what it was – I was aggressive, tetchy and itching for a fight, and all because of PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome.
PMS may have once seemed like the sole preserve of hysterical women, but recent research tells a different story. It shows that more than half of all women’s daily lives are affected as a result of suffering from PMS.
The study of more than 500 women revealed some shocking statistics, including the fact that more than two-thirds (68 percent) say their personality changes for the worse, while more than one in 10 (16 percent) say they don’t recognise themselves at times when suffering from PMS symptoms. Those who said they suffer the most from PMS symptoms are aged between 25 and 34.
Almost 90 percent of women believe PMS is a normal part of the monthly cycle. Experts also reckon 5 percent are blighted with more acute symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of PMDD (premenstrual dysmorphia disorder).
Adding insult to injury, almost half (46 percent) of the respondents feel their boyfriend or husband doesn’t understand. When asked how they thought men would cope, 77 percent of women said they felt their man would treat it similarly to getting “man flu” once a month and would look for constant sympathy.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the legal systems in several countries recognise PMS as a form of legal insanity, and PMS has been used as a “diminished capacity” defence in many legal cases.
The exact causes of PMS are not fully understood, and it is unknown what makes one woman more susceptible to those teary/tetchy pre-period episodes. However, scientists claim the sudden drop in levels of hormones – specifically oestrogen – plays a part. This hormone drop is thought to be linked to activity of serotonin (the feel-good chemical) in the brain.
“Hormones affect different people in different ways, although it’s not clear why some women get more acute PMS than others,” says Dr Bernadette Carr. “It can be related to changes in levels of progesterone and oestrogen that happen right before a period. Variations of the pill are known to regulate hormones.
“We’ve long known hormones impact how we feel – a rise of testosterone in the system is linked with levels of aggression, while a surge in oestrogen in the body means one is more placid.”
Genetics are also thought to play a part. Stress, caffeine intake, age and diet – in particular a lack of magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and manganese – are also factors that affect levels of PMS severity.
As for the notion that the pill also reduces users to quivering emotional wrecks, Carr counters: “The pill has often been prescribed as a treatment for PMS, but if people have a pre-conceived idea that they are going to become more emotional on the pill, then it’s very likely this will happen.”
Ruth McCormack, 22, says she has learnt how to deal with PMS, but finds the physical symptoms worse these days.
“When I was younger, I got bad emotional PMS. I suffered from depression when I was young so my periods were always very tearful. I don’t normally cry, but I’d stub my toe and want to cry for hours.”
And the symptoms don’t stop there: “I end up with bad fatigue every month: no matter how much I’ve slept it’s like I’ve had a four-day bender. I often get bad back pain. I would think I’d strained myself, but then I’d remember, oh, hang on, it’s just me being a woman.
“Sometimes I couldn’t go into work. And I hate to be a big cliche, but when I’m coming up to that time of the month, I’m like, ‘just hand me the chocolate!’ “
Anne O’Brien, 36, was a late starter when it came to her periods, even though the PMS was straight out of the traps.
“I suffered so badly I was put on the pill at a young age,” she says.
“I’d go through phases where they’d feel even worse than normal. After I had my son at 30 they got worse. I’d have breast tenderness and be quite weepy and moody up to two weeks prior. I’d get skin eruptions, feel heavier and even end up with mouth ulcers.”
In time, she got to know when to expect the onslaught of PMS and exercise due care and preparation.
“I’m aware of it, so I’d go into myself and avoid social situations right before my period,” she says.
Happily, McCormack has figured out how to launch a pre-emptive strike of sorts against PMS.
“By now I know to treat myself well at that time of the month.
“If needs be, get some chocolate and enjoy a massage or a good book. We have to deal with this every month, so treating yourself well is a good idea. I’ve tried evening primrose oil, and stretches work wonders on the backaches.”
As with many things in life, a healthy lifestyle is one of the best defences against PMS.
“Low GI foods are good in terms of symptom management,” says Carr. “Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and water and reduce your intake of sugars, salt, caffeine and alcohol. Some people get more anxious and excitable with alcohol, and there’s already that association between alcohol and higher levels of stress.
“Alcohol also affects our ability to get a good night’s sleep – sleep plays a part in battling PMS – and it also upsets the fluid balance in our bodies, which aggravates PMS symptoms like bloating and thirst.
“It’s also a good idea to keep stress levels under control. Take it easy for the few days before your period. Enjoy a night in rather than a night out.”
Chinese medicine practitioners have long suggested that acu-puncture may help with PMS.
According to the laws of Chinese medicine, the emotional symptoms of PMS – such as flying off the handle and feeling touchy – denote Liver Qi stagnation. In some cases, a homeopathic remedy such as Nux Vomica and supplements including vitamin B complex, evening primrose oil and St John’s wort also have their uses in the battle against PMS. An omega 3 supplement is also effective.
O’Brien says she started using an omega 3 supplement and felt a huge improvement to her skin and mood. “I took up hot yoga at the same time and definitely noticed a difference. I’ve improved my lifestyle a lot in my thirties. I eat well and don’t drink so much any more. I do think it has contributed to the symptoms of PMS easing off. The breast tenderness is gone and my skin is finally clear.”
Physical symptoms aside, one of the biggest pitfalls of PMS is that so few women realise their erratic behaviour is a result of hormone fluctuation. Even those with menstrual cycles that run like clockwork often fail to put two and two together.
Happily, there is a smartphone app called Period Tracker Lite, which women can use to track their pre-menstrual moods and symptoms.
“Every month I forget, and I have to say to myself, ‘next month, I’ll know that I’m dealing with PMS’.
“But time and again I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Because I suffered from depression before and I’m happier now, I find it easier to deal with than before. I’m better equipped for the emotional side. I’m getting better at saying: ‘Relax, it’ll pass’,” says McCormack.
Should the symptoms persist after a lifestyle overhaul, it may well be time to seek help from your local GP.
“A doctor might suggest you keep a diary for a few months to find out what your symptoms are, when do they start and end, and what, if anything, has made the PMS worse,” says Carr.
“Keeping a diary will help you get a handle on the situation and help you feel in control, so at least you’ll feel less swamped.” - Irish Independent