SFI Health
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

What is premenstrual syndrome? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can occur in some women in the days leading up to their period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). Premenstrual syndrome key terms Period (menstruation or monthly bleeding) Menstrual cycle...

Lifestyle insight
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What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can occur in some women in the days leading up to their period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). 

Premenstrual syndrome key terms

  • Period (menstruation or monthly bleeding)
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin)
  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Neurotransmitters (brain chemicals)
  • Emotional and physical symptoms.

What are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?

PMS can include emotional and physical symptoms that usually occur in the one or two weeks before your period. Although PMS symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, they usually disappear one or two days after your period.

PMS symptoms can include: 

  • Feelings of anxiety and nervous tension
  • Fluid retention in fingers or ankles
  • Bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
  • Breast swelling and tenderness
  • Mood swings, irritability
  • Lower libido
  • Headaches or backache
  • Tiredness,  and trouble sleeping
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Acne
  • Cramps.

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can vary in each menstrual cycle and intensity from woman to woman. However if you are experiencing severe PMS symptoms that are disrupting your daily activities, make sure you visit your doctor.

What causes premenstrual syndrome?

Although there is no specific cause for PMS, there are various factors that may increase your risk.

Your risk can be influenced by: 

  • Poor physical health
  • Your genes
  • Changes in brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters), such as serotonin
  • Obesity, with a high body mass index (BMI)
  • Smoking
  • Changes in the hormones progesterone and prolactin during your menstrual cycle

If you suffer from stress and mood imbalance, you can be at higher risk of PMS. 

Helping to avoid premenstrual syndrome

As there isn’t a specific cause for PMS, it can be difficult to avoid. However you can reduce your risk for PMS by making several lifestyle modifications.

Try to you exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). Your BMI is a measure of your body fat calculated using your height and weight. In addition to your BMI, your waist measurement can also be an indicator of e physical health. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your weight for a safe way to maintain a healthy BMI. 

Try avoiding drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks and try to manage your stress and mood. If emotional symptoms persist,  make sure you speak to your doctor.

Premenstrual syndrome management and healthy living

You may be able to manage symptoms of PMS with a healthy lifestyle.

  • Be physically active by exercising regularly
  • Manage stress levels
  • Try to reduce salt intake, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol  
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Get enough sleep
  • Quit smoking if you smoke.

A diary is a handy way to keep a record of your symptoms and how long they last. You may consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture and naturopathy for symptom relief. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

It’s important to know that you are not alone with your symptoms as others can experience them too. But the good news is that Premular by SFI Health may be an option for you. Premular is clinically proven to relieve symptoms of PMS including irritability, anger, bloating, breast fullness, headache and mood. It also provides sustained relief over time.

Premular contains a clinically proven extract of Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) referred to as Ze 440. Exclusive to Premular, Ze 440 has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, including a study suggesting that Premular contains the optimal dose for the relief of a range of PMS symptoms.

Premular is well tolerated and its one-a-day dose makes it convenient to take.

We always recommend you check with your healthcare professional before taking any new medications. 

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

Did you know?

  • Up to three out of four women experience PMS symptoms 
  • PMS occurs more often in women in their late 20s to late 40s who have had at least one child 
  • Symptoms may get worse in the years leading up to menopause, when you are in your 40s.

Symptoms of PMS can include emotional and physical symptoms that usually occur in the one or two weeks before your period. Although symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, PMS symptoms usually disappear one or two days after your period.

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