| Most researchers agree that PMS is
a "biopsychosocial" phenomenon with a complex etiology. Certain physical and
psychological symptoms recur regularly at the same phase of each menstrual cycle. Symptoms
cease at menses (bleeding). PMS
symptoms begin after ovulation, often intensifying as menstruation approaches. Symptoms
cease with the onset of menstruation, or bleeding. Every woman with PMS suffers a
different set of symptoms. Symptoms and their intensity vary from woman to woman, and from
month to month, making each PMS sufferer unique.
Symptoms are both physical and
emotional. Listed below are the major, but by no means all, of the symptoms most often
reported.
|
Physical |
Emotional |
|
Dizziness |
Anxiety |
|
Breast
tenderness |
Depression |
|
Clumsiness |
Fatigue |
|
Constipation |
Irritability |
|
Headaches |
Loss of
concentration |
|
Increased
appetite |
Loss of
motivation |
|
Muscle/Joint
pain |
Memory
loss |
|
Weight
gain |
Nervous
tension |
When the brain-under-stress releases
signals that trigger the cravings for sweets, few people have the will-power to resist
this biological call. Strong cravings result in women eating sugar-laden foods
compulsively, or so called "binge eating."During this period of increased sugar intake weight gains of 5 to
15 pounds is common, weight which is difficult for any woman to lose during the symptom
free period of her cycle. Binge eating and subsequent weight gain is not a matter of
self-control. It's PMS.For your convenience we have provided Diet Information on links to
your right. |
|
