PMS Symptoms & Signs   The symptoms of PMS are wide-ranging and can begin as early as a girl’s first period until menopause. Common PMS Symptoms & Signs:
Moods & PMS Mood swings can be one of the most distressing symptoms of women experiencing PMS. It ranges from moodiness, irritability, tearfulness to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. It is now understood that the changing levels of reproductive hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can have direct or indirect effects on mood. The mood changes associated with PMS may also be the result of progesterone metabolites interacting with receptors that normally suppress anxiety. St John's Wort may be a useful component of the treatment plan for patients with PMS. Supplementation with vitamin B6 may also help to alleviate hormonally-induced depressive symptoms, especially if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill. Headaches, Menstrual Migraines & PMS During the menstrual cycle, the altering levels of hormones can affect the prevalence and intensity of headaches. Oestrogen and progesterone have potent effects on our brain neurochemistry. Headaches that occur during your period appear to be due to oestrogen withdrawal (however, it should be noted that increased oestrogen during pregnancy and decreased oestrogen during menopause may also affect headaches). Furthermore, headaches associated with use of the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be partially related to periodic discontinuation of oral hormones and therefore changes to oestrogen levels. HRT is often seen to exacerbate migraine. It is important to realise that hormone medication may generate new headaches or aggravate or ameliorate pre-existing headaches. Where medication is a potential causative factor, it may be necessary to discuss alternative methods of contraception or hormone replacement. Stopping the pill or HRT may not bring immediate headache relief - there may be a delay of six to 12 months, or no improvement at all. Hypoglycemia & PMS Low blood sugar levels are common prior to the start of menstruation and can contribute to the mood problems, food cravings and headaches.
Return to the Natural Hormone Health Home Page
|
