PMS

PMS ( Premenstrual syndrome )

We recently had a friend asking how we manage PMS and I see many and in fact most girls dealing with it these days. I am glad she brought this topic up and I decided to pen down.

I don't think anyone doesn't know what PMS is, but we might not have all the knowledge as different girls/women face different symptoms.  Here are a few symptoms.

Common physical symptoms

• Bloating, weight gain

• Fatigue, lack of energy

• Headaches

• Cramps, aching muscles and joints, low back pain

• Breast swelling and tenderness

• Food cravings, especially for sweet or salty foods

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Low sex drive

• Constipation or diarrhoea

Mood and behaviour symptoms

• Sad or depressed mood
• Anger, irritability, aggression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Decreased alertness, trouble concentrating
• Withdrawal from family and friends

Now what are the reasons of PMS. The endocrine system makes hormones that control the menstrual cycle. The female endocrine system is very complex. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions, including the body's ability to change calories into energy that powers cells and organs. The endocrine system influences how your heart beats, how your bones and tissues grow, even your ability to make a baby. It plays a vital role in whether or not you develop diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders, sexual dysfunction, and a host of other hormone-related disorders. Hence once the endocrine system is disturbed so may diseases start coming up. If you have PMS it’s also a form of hormonal imbalance which is a sign by your body that its missing something.

PMS gives you a hint about how healthy you are Physically and mentally. 

Physical health is characterized by how healthy your body is, how strong it is and how flexible.

Mental health is also an important part. For this u need to learn to balance your emotions which helps us stay healthy.

This is what I have experienced personally and Munmun Ganeriwal, (nutritionist) with whom I had one on one consultation helped me a lot.

1) Our need for food increases 1 week before and during the periods. Include desi ghee or butter in all major meals. 
2) If you are bloated, first thing in the morning have a pinch of black salt and 1 teaspoon ghee in warm water 
3) Increase your calcium supplements . I was normally advised 1 tab ( 1000 mg) a day in the night, during these 2 weeks I take another after lunch as well
4) Take magnesium as well to help those cramps disappear.  
5) Rest and sleep are very important. This is the reason women/girls were given 3-4 days of complete rest during periods by most of the Indian cultures before.
6) Do something you love. Doing that you love releases our happy hormone which balances the other bones in the body. When you are happy, you will have less PMS symptoms.
7) Omega supplements . Yes! these help as well. I used to take Evening primrose oil- 1 tablet after lunch.

8) Having a teaspoon of gulkand helps in summers to cool the body during these times

Also, remember that PMS is a sign that your body is missing some important nutrients and mental relaxation in life. Not just that, it also should be treated  like a warning that your body is subject to disease as your hormones are being whacked. Learn to listen to your body, pay attention and start caring about it before it’s too late.

Our environment conditions along with quality of food we eat and stress add to our physical and mental well-being. Take care of your body, it’s the place you have to live in entire life.