What Every Teenage Girl Must Know About Premenstrual Syndrome

Teenage is a phase of being self-centered, reckless and moody. This is the time when the human brain develops rapidly and the hormones tend to go haywire. To top it all, premenstrual syndrome can make you all the more irritated and anxious. If you are facing mood swings and suddenly become very irritable, you are not alone. Three in every four women suffer from PMS at some point in their lives. The good news is that if the symptoms of PMS are mild to moderate, they can be relieved by lifestyle changes without any medical treatment, according to experts at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

However, some teenage girls face quite serious symptoms, leading to functional impairment. Therefore, it is crucial to be fully aware of premenstrual syndrome and how to tackle it effectively. Have a look at some useful information every teen must know about this condition.

Symptoms of PMS

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome start to show up 1-2 weeks before starting your period. Teenage girls experience anger outbursts, changes in sexual desire, confusion, insomnia or increased sleep, abdominal pain, food cravings, mood swings, pimples and acne, bloating, constipation, tender breasts, headaches and general crankiness. Getting plenty of exercise, meditation and deep breathing, lowering the salt in your food and eating well-balanced fresh meals can relieve discomfort.

Causes of PMS

Reasons for the symptoms before the menstrual cycle begins are still now known. However, researchers believe that it could be due to an increase in the level of progesterone and estrogen. In fact, a change in the serotin and sexual hormone levels can lead to premenstrual syndrome. Certain kinds of mental health issues and physical trauma are other rare causes of PMS.

Women with menstrual syndrome are suggested over-the-counter medicines to manage headaches, cramps and backaches. Make sure to have them before your period starts, to lessen the severity. However, do not have pills without consulting your gynecologist first. Doctors can also recommend hormonal birth control pills, antidepressants and diuretics to teenagers. You can include calcium, magnesium and vitamin B6 in your diet to ease the symptoms. Additionally, here are a few alternatives that are usually helpful.

• To reduce restlessness and fatigue, sleep at least 7-8 hours at night.
• Consider behavioral therapy during your
• Drink sufficient fluids like water, soups and juices to help eliminate bloating.
• To alleviate stomach cramps and muscle pulls, apply a heating pad as much as possible.

Irrespective of what supplements, dietary changes or medications you are taking, consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Else, it may be difficult to deal with the side effects.

If you experience severe and persistent cramps, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Also, in case the cycles are irregular with unusual symptoms like troubled thinking or breathing, a consultation with the right doctor is a must.