The Female Body. Chapter 1: Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome: What's Normal and What's Not

Morning sickness, endometriosis, menopause, migraines, PCOS. What’s happening to your body? We don’t know, because we’ve never really studied the female body.

Maybe Farideh needed a group of experts with her to debunk some of the many myths surrounding the female body. So, in a series of blog posts, I’ll break down in simple terms what’s normal and what’s not with the most common conditions you might experience. And certainly, there’s no condition more challenging and common than premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is that phase of the menstrual cycle that occurs between ovulation and the start of your period. For some, it's a minor annoyance; for others, it’s like a hormonal storm bringing along a bunch of physical and emotional symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

• Mood Swings: From laughter to tears in the blink of an eye. Yep, it’s normal.
• Bloating: Fluid retention and feeling like a parade balloon.
• Cravings: Chocolate, chips, and more chocolate. Sometimes it feels like a competitive eating contest!
• Fatigue: Feeling exhausted for no apparent reason.
• Aches and Pains: Cramps, headaches, and muscle aches.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

PMS is a different experience for every woman, but there are certain boundaries between what’s normal and what could be a cause for concern.

Normal:

• Mild to Moderate Mood Swings: Irritability, sadness, or anxiety that disappear with the start of your period.
• Mild Abdominal Pain and Cramps: Some discomfort is common.
• Fatigue and Trouble Sleeping: Feeling tired but still able to go about daily activities.

Not So Normal:

• Severe Mood Swings: If mood changes are so intense that they interfere with your relationships or work, it might be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
• Severe Pain: Intense abdominal pain or headaches that don’t ease with common pain relievers.
• Extreme Depression or Anxiety: Feelings of hopelessness, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts.

If you experience severe symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor. It’s not normal to feel like you can’t manage your life every month.

How to Manage Premenstrual Syndrome

• Regular Exercise: Helps reduce fatigue and improves mood.
• Balanced Diet: Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine. Though we know it’s tough when chocolate calls your name!
• Good Sleep: Try to maintain a regular sleep routine.
• Relaxation Techniques: Yoga, meditation, or even a good laugh recording TikToks with "The Female Body".

When to Seek Professional Help

If symptoms are severe and affect your daily life, come to see me, and based on our evaluation of your particular case, I can support you with different options, such as:

• Hormone Therapy: To balance your hormone levels.
• Antidepressant Medications: For PMDD, along with referrals to my psychology colleagues for complementary therapy support.
• Nutritional Supplements: Such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

Premenstrual syndrome is an inevitable part of the menstrual cycle, but understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you better manage those tricky days. Remember, you’re not alone on this hormonal roller coaster. And let’s be clear, your body is more than "just a man’s body with boobs," right?