Period related disorders

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome and is a group of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that people can experience in the lead-up to their periods. Most people experience some form of PMS during their menstrual cycle, though the severity can vary.

The symptoms of PMS usually happen about 1-2 weeks before your period starts and can vary for each person. Common symptoms include:

• Physical symptoms:
  
  • Bloating (feeling puffy or swollen)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Acne or skin breakouts
  • Changes in appetite (cravings for certain foods)
• Emotional and mental symptoms:
  
  • Mood swings (feeling irritable or upset easily)
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Feeling sad or tearful
  • Trouble concentrating

These symptoms usually go away once your period starts, but they can make the days before a period uncomfortable.

Here are some tips for managing PMS symptoms:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, like walking or yoga, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy.
• Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet, especially whole foods (avoid overly processed foods) can help reduce PMS symptoms. Try to avoid too much sugar, caffeine, or salty foods.
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or even a warm bath can help you relax and reduce stress.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Pain relievers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help reduce cramps, headaches, or other discomforts.
• Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep (8-10 hours a night) to feel rested and reduce fatigue.

Staying organised and planning ahead can also help manage emotional symptoms, like anxiety or irritability.

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is a more severe form of PMS. It's less common than PMS, but it can be very disruptive. PMDD causes intense emotional and physical symptoms that can affect daily life. PMDD symptoms usually start about 7-10 days before your period and go away once your period begins, or shortly after.

PMDD symptoms are more extreme than PMS and can include:

• Severe mood changes:
  
  • Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Extreme irritability or anger
  • Severe anxiety or panic attacks
  • Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
  • Thoughts of suicide or self harm
• Physical symptoms:
  
  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness
  • Sleep problems (either trouble sleeping or sleeping too much)
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headaches

People with PMDD may find it hard to go to school, work, or do other daily activities because of how intense the symptoms can be.

Managing PMDD may require more intensive strategies, and it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment for you. Here are some options that may help:

• Lifestyle changes: Like with PMS, regular exercise, good sleep, and a balanced diet are important. A low-sugar, low-salt diet can help improve mood and reduce bloating.
• Medications: A healthcare provider may recommend antidepressants, birth control pills, or hormonal treatments to help regulate your mood and period symptoms.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help you manage mood changes and stress.
• Support groups or counseling: Talking to others who have similar experiences or a therapist can help you feel supported and learn ways to cope.
• Relaxation and stress management: Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or guided meditation can help with emotional and physical symptoms.

Since PMDD is a more severe condition, it's very important to seek help from a health care professional or therapist if you think you might have it.

Experts believe that PMS and PMDD are linked to changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Some people are more sensitive to these hormonal shifts, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

You should seek medical advice if:

• Your symptoms of PMS are so severe that they interfere with your daily life (e.g., at school, with friends, or at home).
• You experience intense mood swings, depression, or anxiety that are hard to control.
• PMS or PMDD symptoms last for longer than a few days or are much worse than usual.
• You feel like your symptoms are getting worse or are difficult to cope with.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, talking to a health care professional, counsellor, or trusted adult can help you find ways to manage these symptoms.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, usually on other organs in the pelvis, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the pelvis.

What Happens: Each month, the tissue inside the uterus breaks down and sheds as a period. In endometriosis, the tissue outside the uterus also breaks down but has nowhere to go, causing pain and sometimes other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).

Common symptoms:

• Painful periods (severe cramps that don’t go away with usual period pain relief)
• Chronic pelvic pain (pain that lasts beyond your period)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues like bloating or nausea.

‍

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes and immune system responses. Genetics can also play a role, as endometriosis can run in families.

• Track Your Symptoms: Keep a record of your period and pain levels to help with diagnosis
• Talk to a Healthcare Provider: Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and prevent complications
• Treatment Options: These can include pain management, hormone therapy, or surgery in severe cases
• Get Support: Connecting with support groups or trusted adults can be beneficial.

Important Note: If you experience severe period pain or other symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

PMOS is a multi system hormonal disorder previously known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It is characterised by hormonal imbalances, particularly high androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance.

Common Symptoms:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Excess hair growth (especially on the face, chest, or back)
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Increased weight.

‍

PMOS doesn’t have a cure, but symptoms can be managed with things like birth control pills, medications to regulate hormones, or lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage weight and insulin levels.

PMOS is linked to hormonal imbalances, especially involving insulin and androgens (male hormones that are also present in females). The exact cause isn’t known, but genetics, weight, and insulin resistance can all play a role in the severity of the condition.

• Track Your Symptoms: Keeping a record of your symptoms can help your healthcare provider diagnose and manage PMOS.
• Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage symptoms.
• Medication: Birth control pills, anti-androgen medications, and insulin-sensitising drugs are common treatments.
• Get Support: Talking to trusted adults, friends, or support groups can help you cope.

Important Note: PMOS can also affect your long-term health, including an increased risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease or heart disease, so it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to manage the condition.