Answer:
by Larry Siegel: (07/12/2004)
Hello and thanks for writing in. Please accept my apologies for not getting back to you sooner... While you're correct in saying that every woman is different, there are certain common experiences that women go through with menstruation. About 70-90% of all women experience some type of physical or emotional discomfort right before their periods. The emotional discomforts usually include moodiness, slight depression, irritability, or food craving. Physically, there is some cramping, tenderness in the breasts, water retention (causing an increase in urination and in some cases, maybe diarrhea). These discomforts are usually very slight and most women are able to deal with them quite well.
For about 5% of women, the discomforts are quite severe and can interfere with their daily living. When the symptoms are severe, it's called "pre-menstrual syndrome." Physically, the symptoms may include intense cramping, muscle aches (often in the back), nausea, dizziness, very tender breasts, uncomfortable tingling or sensation in the hands and feet, heart palpitations, acne, and migraine headaches. Emotionally, PMS can include severe depression, anxiety, fatigue, tension, emotional instability, food cravings, and an inability to concentrate.
For PMS, there are medications a doctor can help with. For normal pre-menstrual symptoms, taking over-the-counter products like ibuprofin and calcium supplements often eases any discomfort.
I hope this was of some help to you. If you would like more information, please feel free to write back and I promise to answer in a more timely fashion. Take care and be well.
Peace
Larry Siegel
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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