Hi all, it's really been a while since I last posted on this blog. Neither do I update much on my Instagram and twitter. I deeply apologized as I have been caught up with trying to settle myself back into the busy lifestyle of Kuala Lumpur. It's definitely a major transition for me especially after months of living in a much slower pace and having wonderfully relaxing life in Europe. Oh, how I missed Europe!
Anyway, back to the main topic. The reason why I am back on the blog today is that I would like to raise the awareness of Premenstrual Syndrome, also known as PMS.
Probably you would think it is random, wondering why I would want to talk about this. But let me tell you it is really something serious. So SEVERE that it could affect your life, directly or indirectly. If you are a woman, you probably understand what I am going to say. If you are guy, please don't take this lightly as your woman (girlfriend/ wife) may be suffering from this and your support will be very much appreciated.
So, what is PMS? PMS is defined as a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. These symptoms occur 1 or 2 weeks before period/ menstruation starts and usually go away after the start of bleeding.
Symptoms of PMS
Acne
Swollen/tender breast
Feeling tired
Trouble sleeping
Stomach upset, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
Headache/ backache
Appetite changes/ Cravings
Joint/Muscle pain
Trouble with concentration/ memory
Tension, irritability, mood swings/crying spells
Anxiety/Depression
*These symptoms vary from woman to woman*
Honestly, I don't get it why women have to suffer this way. It's already been quite messy having to bleed each month. Not to mention having all these ridiculous symptoms before the 'big day'! Urgghh... Frustrating. Ok Ok that's my PMS talking here. Sometimes, I really feel like a ball of crazy emotions working the way out of me. If you see what I mean. =,=
Based on a survey done by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it estimates that at least 85 percent of menstruating women have at least 1 PMS symptoms as part of their monthly cycle. Most of these women have fairly mild symptoms that don't need treatment. On the other hand, about 3 to 8 percent have a more severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, PMDD.
Prementrual Dysphoric Disorder
Prementrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe form of PMS. A brain chemical called serotonin seems to play a big role in this. The main symptoms which can be disabling, include :
Feeling sad/despair/even thoughts of suicide
Feeling tense/anxious
Panic Attacks
Mood swings/ Frequent crying
Lasting irritability/anger that affects people around
Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
Trouble thinking/ Focusing
Tiredness/Lack of energy
Food cravings/ Binge eating
Feeling out of control
Trouble sleeping
Physical symptoms such as bloating/breast tenderness/ headache/joint and muscle pain
* One must have at least 5 or more symptoms to be diagnosed with PMDD *
Well, enough of the symptoms! We need solutions!!!!! Hell yeah!!!!
What is the treatment for PMS?
I suggest we start with lifestyle changes before we all rush into the clinic for medication. What do you reckon?
1. Exercise regularly, each week you should get:
- Two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity
- One hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity
- A combination of vigorous and moderate-intensity activity
- Muscle-strengthening activity on 2 or more days
2. Eat healthy and balanced diet. Remember to eat fruit, vegetable and whole grains
3. Get enough sleep. Try to get about 8 hours of sleep each night.
4. Avoid salt, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol
5. Find healthy ways to cope stress. May be talk to your friends, exercise or pour your stress in a journal.
6. Avoid smoking
Hopefully these will help ease some of the nasty symptoms. I think you should really judge for yourself because no one knows better that you do yourself. Perhaps, there is no harm mentioning your PMS symptoms to your GP and see if you need to go on any medication.
That's it for now. We shall talk again very soon. I promise. ;)
Do share with me if you suffer from PMS. I would love to hear from you if you have any wonderful tips of coping PMS.
-GOODBYE & GOODLUCK-
