Premenstrual Syndrome
The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a variety
of symptoms which recur in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. These
generally make their appearance two to seven days before the onset of
menstruation and are relieved once the menses start. Approximately, 40 per cent
of menstruating women suffer from premenstrual tension and it occurs mostly in
women over 30 years of age. IN some women, the onset of symptoms seems to
coincide with ovulation and may then persist until menstruation commences. In
some rare cases, relief from the premenstrual syndrome may be obtained only
with the cessation of the menstrual flow.
Symptoms
The onset of this syndrome is abrupt, generally with
a headache which is often accompanied by vomiting. A general feeling of
depression and irritability permeate the entire experience. What is worse,
these symptoms intensify progressively, making the last day of the PMS the
worst. Tension headaches are common during this period, but in some cases,
migraines attacks occur with severe pain and vomiting. The patient suffers from
breast tenderness, which is sometimes so severe that it is almost unbearable.
There may also be abdominal bloating, accompanied in some cases, by odema of
the ankles and hands. Some women resort to dieting to get rid of the abdominal
bloating but this only leads to fatigue and depression. Others may experience a
craving for sweet foods. Some of the less common symptoms are exacerbation of
epilepsy dizziness, back ache, hoarse voice, greasy hair, acne and allergic
reactions.
Patients suffering from premenstrual tension may show
a gain of weight of one kg or more in the latter part of the menstrual cycle
due to salt and water retention. The retention of fluid is partly due to
ovarian steroids, but there is also an increased output of anti diuretic
hormone from the posterior pituitary gland.
Diagnosis
There is no specific laboratory diagnosis of the
premenstrual syndrome. The problem can be diagnosed on the basis of past
history showing a clear, recurrent relationship between a stage of the
menstrual cycle and the onset of symptoms as well as the coincidence of relief
with the start or cessation of menstruation. The patient may maintain a
personal diary about her symptoms and feelings during those days. The record
should be kept for at least three cycles.
Causes
The causes behind the premenstrual syndrome still
remain unexplained. Some authorities believe that deficiency of hormone
progesterone may result in PMS but this has not yet been satisfactorily proved.
Emotional stress can often contribute to the symptoms, and the social relationship
of the patient needs to be reviewed. A team of researchers at Sinai Hospital
in Baltimore and John Hopkins University School of Medicine, London , through carefully controlled studies
concluded that dietary deficiencies particularly that of vitamin E and vitamin
B6 or pyridoxine are the most common causes of PMS.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Where only mild symptoms are experienced, the problem can be elevated by a
change of routine. Extra work and stressful situation should be avoided. Fluids
should be moderately restricted and care should be taken not to add extra salt
to the food. The patient’s partner and family members should be educated about all
the facets of the PMS. The patient should not take any oral contraceptives as
these may cause fluid retention and lowering the plasma levels. Hormonal
imbalance and infections of the uterus can be helped by a natural diet regimen.
As most women feel tension arising from chronic constipation it is essential to
treat this condition first. In constipation, the putrefying fecal matter may be
reabsorbed into the bloodstream, and the same blood, if supplied to the brain,
will cause gradual enervation.
Constipation can be relieved by a lukewarm water
enema and liberal intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables and simple fibrous
meals. Other treatments for the PMS include regular cold hip baths for 10 to 15
minutes twice a day. This will congestion and inflammation of the uterus and
connected organs. Tension will also be dissipated with this treatment. Hot foot
baths followed by a cold compress to the lower abdomen and the inner surfaces
of the thighs also help to relieve uterine congestion and tension.
If the cold hip bath is not practicable, a wet girdle
pack applied twice a day on empty stomach is very beneficial for clearing up
uterine congestion and improving bowel function. All these statements should be
suspended during the menstrual flow. Diet pays a significant role in preventing
premenstrual syndrome. The patient should avoid refined carbohydrates, sugars,
coffee, tea, tobacco, other stimulants, oily, fried or spicy food and all
meats.
A regular practice of yogasanas, especially those
recommended for strengthening the genito-urinary system will be very useful in
overcoming premenstrual syndrome. These asanas are bhujangasana, shalabhasana, vajrasana,
paschimotanasana, ardhamatsyendrasana and trikonasana. Other helpful measures
are brisk walks and abdominal exercises which are good
for strengthening the abdominal muscles and pelvic
organs. Great relief can also be obtained by manipulating the tender points
gently, on the big as well as other toes of the feet. Manipulation on the
middle portion of the leg foot which relates the uterus and vagina will help to
correct the disorder of the uterus.
Mental poise is an important factor. Negative mental
attitudes like fear, worry, anger, jealousy, tension and inferiority complex
should be eliminated by positive thinking, meditation and good company.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through www.scribd.com
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