For many women, the pre-menstrual syndrome is akin to living the experiences described in Dolly Parton's song PMS Blues. On top of it, several myths have contributed to this monthly misery. Read this blog to dispel those long-held PMS myths and manage your monthly cycles with the spirit of Lana Del Ray’s This Is What Makes Us Girls.

Let us begin with some clarity on what PMS entails. Although irritability, back pain, sore breasts, and crying spells are a few widely experienced symptoms, there are more emotional and physical symptoms that women should know. 

Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms

• Depressed mood
• Anxiety and tension 
• Mood swings 
• Trouble falling asleep
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Poor concentration
• Change in libido

Physical symptoms

• Fatigue
• Abdominal bloating
• Headache
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Restless legs syndrome from muscle cramping

These symptoms are a result of cyclic changes in hormones and chemical changes in the brain. Generally, these symptoms go away within three to four days once the period begins. However, for some women, these are severe enough to affect their daily lives. Being informed about the facts related to PMS may help women cope with monthly cycles better.

FOUR MYTHS ABOUT PMS

1. Exercise worsens PMS symptoms

   Since energy level decreases a few days before the period, many women think physical activities can worsen the symptoms and avoid them. Nope! Not true. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins or ‘the happy hormones’ that uplift the mood. The surge in blood flow alleviates cramps and bloating too. So, next time when you search for how to reduce PMS symptoms? consider exercise as one of the first remedies. From a light walk to a high-intensity workout, you can choose any exercise. However, listen to your body. If you really feel that you need to take a rest, then do so.

2. PMS is more common and severe in adolescent girls

   When girls hit puberty, the onset of periods is a new and discomforting experience. With time, women learn how to cope with the symptoms. There may be cases of PMDD or other medical conditions that aggravate period symptoms in young girls, but they are no different than those experienced by women in general. More often than not, more than one symptom affects everyone. So, it makes sense to observe the severity of each and its impact on one’s daily life. Apps for tracking the monthly cycle are helpful; they have a myriad of symptoms listed, even those hard to put in words. Check out remedies that answer how to relieve PMS symptoms naturally. If you cannot pinpoint whether a symptom has gone beyond how it feels normally, contact a gynecologist for a PMS diagnosis irrespective of your age.

3. PMS symptoms are the same for women of all ages

   Period symptoms change every decade. For example, cycle duration and flow might change in one’s 40s. Nevertheless, lifestyle and diet affect the monthly cycles. For example, a study found that eating fruits is protective against PMS. Similarly, there are several studies on the worsening of PMS because of smoking. Symptoms may change with age; however, a proper diet and a disciplined lifestyle help keep them under control. For symptoms like bloating, sleeplessness and fatigue, you may check remedies for how to reduce period symptoms. However,if you feel that one or more symptoms are increasingly difficult to manage, speak to your doctor right away. Remember that being aware and informed about what you experience (and its extent) is very important in conversations with your healthcare providers. Using an app to track emotional and physical symptoms makes PMS diagnosis criteria more reliable.

   Here is a mini-guide to help you track your PMS symptoms correctly.

   • Record symptoms as and when you experience them. Ensure that you at least record them the same day. 
   • Track your symptoms every month to determine variations and similarities in the patterns.
   • Record both negative and positive symptoms.
   • Note existing health issues and medications as well.

4. PMS makes women crazy

   The popular narrative portrays women with PMS symptoms nothing less than the ‘Mad Woman in the Attic.’ However, it is not true! Though women may get irritable and anxious during their periods, calling them “crazy” is a detestable mix of misogyny and stereotyping. It is derisive and robs them of the chance to be understood and supported. In addition, a short period of mood fluctuations during PMS has been conveniently used to label women too emotional, hyper, reactive or irrational. However, the fact of the matter is there is no significant change in the levels of rationality throughout the cycle. The results of a study conducted in 2017 is a case in point. It showed that women who used apps for monitoring menstruation were more aware of their menstrual cycles and health. A few women wellness tracking apps like Ginger-U also come with features like mood tracker, pain tracker, medication reminders, etc. Such intricately women-focused features allow you to be more aware of how you feel, take remedial medications on time and take better care of yourself. Overall, many women make a conscious effort on knowing how to manage mood swings during PMS or PMDD, which itself is a sign of being rational.