PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, represents a combination of physical and emotional problems that a woman faces after ovulation and with coming menstruation. The condition is characterized by depressive states, irritability, and tendency for crying, oversensitivity, and also rapid mood changes. In some cases the condition can become more severe and it has the name of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The latter means all the above mentioned but a lot worse. This condition happens not so frequent and can considerably complicate a woman’s life in this period.

Premenstrual symptoms are typical for the majority of women; less frequent are cases of PMDD. The condition has been observed still long ago in ancient Greece but it was admitted and officially recognized only in 1931; the term therefore appeared a lot later – only in 1953.

It is hard to diagnose the case as there are so many different symptoms and in some cases they resemble the ones of depression, for instance. Still, the reasons for their appearance are not known for sure. There exist a lot of presuppositions on the account but none of them are now considered absolutely right. But they mostly coincide in one thing – they lay the greatest stress on the changes or interactions between sex hormone levels and brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Nevertheless there is no possibility to draw any association line between the condition and any personality factors or types. As well as no research showed the direct connection between severity of the condition and undergone stress.

In every woman the condition of PMS is highly individual but therefore some definite symptoms can be singled out. They can be separated into those related to mood and those related to physical aspect. To the former refer the following: depression, anxiety, anger and tendency to being easily irritated, oversensitivity, increased tension, frequent urge for crying, extreme mood changes. The latter, physical symptoms are: acne, problems with sleeping, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, tendency to overeating or unusual food cravings, a feeling of exhaustion.

There exist various approaches in treatment of the condition. Some of them can be not that scientifically conditioned but are helpful nevertheless in some women. But mostly it includes healthy lifestyle under which are understood exercises and more activity, changes in diet such as reduction of caffeine, alcohol and refined sugars intake, it is also advised to stop smoking and refrain from excessive salt.

These recommendations can be of assistance and may ease up the symptoms in some women. It is also beneficial to add to our daily allowance vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium supplements.