No, PMS Doesn't Have to Wreck Your Week

V CARE OB/GYN Blog No, PMS Doesn't Have to Wreck Your Week
No, PMS Doesn't Have to Wreck Your Week

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affect over 90% of women and adolescents with a period. For some, PMS symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their daily routine, resulting in work or school call-offs, canceled plans, and even relationship conflicts.

V CARE OB/GYN is committed to high-quality health care for women and teens and specializes in personalized solutions to manage PMS symptoms.

Our skilled OB/GYNs take a whole-person approach to helping you feel your best. They can recommend lifestyle changes, diet improvements, medications, and other strategies to prevent PMS from interfering with your quality of life.

Why you have PMS

PMS describes the physical and emotional symptoms that menstruating females experience during their period and in the days leading up to it. Medical experts believe that the fluctuations in a woman’s estrogen and progesterone hormone levels during ovulation are the source of PMS symptoms.

Because these reproductive hormones play a key role in many of your biological functions, even minor fluctuations in their levels can trigger physical, emotional, and mental symptoms.

While many women can manage the mild to moderate PMS symptoms they experience on their own, some can’t find relief with home care. There is also a more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which causes debilitating symptoms in the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase).

Physical symptoms of PMS and PMDD include:

PMS/PMDD can also trigger mental and emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. Additionally, many women experience sleep problems because of their discomfort, which can make PMS-related symptoms worse.

Helpful tips for managing PMS

You can use several lifestyle strategies to manage mild to moderate PMS more efficiently. Our team can recommend specific steps you can take based on the nature of your symptoms and their severity.

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can go a long way to preventing severe PMS symptoms. These habits include:

Daily exercise

Regular aerobic activities like walking and swimming increase your energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and reduce risk factors for depression and anxiety.

Moving your body also supports blood circulation and can ease abdominal cramping.

Stress management techniques

Reducing stress is crucial for overall good health and can make managing PMS easier.

Engage in activities that help you relax and practice mindful meditation or yoga so you can tap into a calm place when you feel irritable or anxious.

Quit smoking

Medical research shows that PMS symptoms are more severe in women who smoke than in nonsmokers.

Quitting smoking offers many health benefits beyond managing PMS symptoms. If you need help, speak with our team about smoking cessation resources that help you quit for good.

Get quality sleep

Sleep is how your body recharges from the day. If you’re getting less than 8-9 hours of sleep a night, your risk for mental and physical health issues increases.

Follow a sleep schedule to get at least 8 hours a night. Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime so your mind and body have time to wind down.

Reach out for help

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage PMS symptoms, V CARE OB/GYN can help. We offer customized care plans using medications and other therapies to help you feel your best during your period and beyond.

Call V CARE OB/GYN today or book an appointment online to learn more about your options for PMS treatment or book a consultation online.