Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel different in the days before your period? Maybe a little more irritable, a bit more tired, a little bloated? Well, you’re not alone—and it’s no coincidence. What you’re experiencing is what we know as Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS for short. In this blog post, we want to take a closer look at this phenomenon together.
What is PMS?
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome and refers to a cycle-dependent set of symptoms that begin a few days before the onset of menstruation and usually end 1 to 3 days after menstruation starts. It is a phenomenon experienced by many women around the world—studies show that up to 75% of all menstruating women experience PMS symptoms.
What causes PMS?
The exact cause of PMS is still not 100% clear, but researchers believe it is likely related to hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle. Often, an increased production of the hormone progesterone and less estrogen is observed. But that’s not the whole picture: even women with normal hormone balance have reported PMS symptoms. It seems that a combination of various factors leads to PMS.
How does PMS manifest?
The symptoms of PMS are diverse and can be both physical and psychological. Common physical complaints include breast tenderness, headaches and back pain, digestive problems, loss of appetite or cravings, and worsening skin condition. But your mood can also be affected by PMS. It’s not unusual to feel tired, unmotivated, or even depressed. Some women also report anxiety or increased irritability.
What is PMDD?
A very severe form of PMS is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD experience extreme physical and emotional symptoms that are often treated with antidepressants.
How can I cope with PMS?
The good news is that there are some strategies that can help manage PMS symptoms. One method is keeping a symptom diary. By noting when and how severe your symptoms occur, you can recognize patterns and better predict when they are likely to happen.
Another method is avoiding so-called "trigger factors" like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the second half of your cycle (the so-called luteal phase). Gentle exercise or sports can also help alleviate symptoms.
To give you another option to better live with PMS symptoms, mybacs® Cycle Flow has been developed. Because at mybacs, we understand how much of a burden PMS can be for women.
Thanks to many high-quality natural ingredients, you have a competent helper by your side that supports you throughout the month with valuable plant extracts, minerals, and vitamins. For example, the included vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and take care of yourself. If you feel that your PMS symptoms are severely affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
Finally, we want to tell you: you are not alone. Millions of women around the world go through the same thing every month. And although PMS can sometimes be annoying, it is also a sign that your body is functioning just as it should. Stay strong, take care of yourself, and know that you can always find support.
