Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms occurring days leading to a woman’s period. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually go away once the menstrual period starts. However, for some women, PMS can be so debilitating that it interferes with their daily lives. PMS can affect any woman of reproductive age, but it’s most common in women in their 30s and 40s.
The hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s menstrual cycle are thought to be the main culprit behind PMS. Just before ovulation, levels of the hormone progesterone increase. Then, if pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop sharply about ten days before a period starts. This rapid change in hormone levels can trigger a wide range of symptoms.
Women with PMS may react sensitively to changes in their hormone levels due to various factors. These include an imbalance in neurotransmitters, insulin insensitivity, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol and caffeine consumption, cigarette smoking, and stress, to name a few. Here are the most common symptoms associated with PMS.
Anxiety and Tension
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. For some people, however, anxiety can be more severe and persistent, lasting for weeks or even months. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety, and one of the reasons for this may be hormonal fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle.
Many women report feeling more anxious in the days leading up to their period. The link between PMS and anxiety is not fully understood, but a few theories may explain the connection. One theory is that certain hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and can affect a woman’s mood. Another possibility is that low serotonin levels may contribute to short periods of anxiety.
Whatever the cause, there’s no doubt that anxiety and PMS can be difficult to deal with. Women may feel more irritable, stressed out, and on edge than usual during the days leading up to their period.
