This is continued from PMS: Pre-Monster Syndrome?
Many women complain of bloating and muscle aches before they start their menstrual periods. These common physical symptoms often just become something we learn to put up with from month to month. We women often battle emotional symptoms before or during our menstrual cycles as well. But does this give us permission to passively excuse hormonal imbalances and emotional outbursts with the “PMS” excuse? Do we commit crimes of PMS and then plead “not guilty” based on PMS?
There are many constructive solutions that can aid us in maintaining balanced hormones and thus reduce the extremes of PMS symptoms. Beyond diet, try improving PMS with some of these methods:
1. Exercise. Consistent exercise is proven to stabilize hormones, and it also gives us an opportunity to let off some steam—reducing tension and anxiety! In addition to lifting your mood, exercise can avert bloating and water retention cause by poor circulation…
2. Sleep. Have you ever noticed that your body needs more sleep when you are pre-menstrual? Aim to get a good night sleep as a habit, for maintenance of good health and beauty. But be even more purposeful to get the sleep your body needs to feel alert and well-rested during that “time of the month.” Sleep deprivation together with PMS…it’s almost a guarantee for disaster.
3. Relax! When we fight irritability, stress or anxiety before or during our periods, then it’s time to look for stress-management tips. Take extra care to look after yourself on the days you expect to contend with PMS. Schedule breaks or relaxing activities, or don’t schedule anything at all! Slowing down your pace will give you some extra breathing room to keep yourself in a good place. Don’t be afraid, or feel guilty about taking care of your own emotional health.
4. Chart it. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to chart your menstrual cycle symptoms. Using a simple chart provided by your physician or gynaecologist, or even a free one from the web, will allow you to get a better overview of the symptoms you battle—and when! Awareness is always a step in the right direction.
5. See your doctor. A physician will often have resources, tools and suggestions to aid you in a journey to over-come PMS. Don’t give up! Keep trying until you discover solutions that work for you.
When we find ourselves pleading “PMS” all too often, let’s be proactive. Implement lifestyle changes which are proven to help many sufferers of PMS. With some new insight on the situation, we can all agree that there’s plenty of ways to minimize physical symptoms of PMS, control mood swings, and reduce the emotional stressors which turn us into victims of this monthly monster. “PMS made you do it?” Sorry ladies, over-ruled!
Image via Modern Hepburn