PMS, or more simply, premenstrual syndrome, is a condition that involves a lot of women prior to their monthly cycle. Characterized by a host of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, the condition can vary in intensity from woman to woman. PMS itself is considered part of the normal menstrual cycle; however, sometimes it may allude to something more serious. This piece will give us five signs that your PMS may be something more serious.
1. Severe Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms such as bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, and headaches are common during PMS. However, if these symptoms become severe and interfere with your daily activities, it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as PMDD. PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects about 5% of women. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, irritability, and depression, along with physical symptoms.
Symptoms of PMDD can be overwhelming and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks or maintain relationships. If you experience severe physical symptoms that significantly impact your daily life, it is essential to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether you have PMDD or another underlying medical condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Mood Changes
Mood swings and irritability are common symptoms of PMS, but if these changes in mood become extreme and disruptive, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. For example, if you experience intense anger, anxiety, or depression during your premenstrual phase, it could be a sign of PMDD or another underlying mental health condition.
It is essential to pay attention to any significant changes in your mood during this time and discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to PMS, PMDD, or another underlying mental health condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. Treatment for PMDD may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
3. Irregular Menstrual Cycle
A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding lasting for 2 to 7 days. However, some women may experience irregularities in their cycle, such as missed periods or unusually heavy bleeding. These irregularities can be a sign of a more serious condition, including:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal issue that impacts females of reproductive age. This disorder can result in irregular menstrual periods, the formation of cysts on the ovaries, and increased levels of male hormones in the body.
Endometriosis: External growth of tissue resembling the uterine lining, which is characteristic of endometriosis, results in pain, menstrual irregularities, and potential fertility problems.
Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. While many fibroids do not cause symptoms, some may lead to heavy bleeding, pain, and irregular periods.
Thyroid disorders: The thyroid is a gland that regulates the body’s metabolism. Thyroid disorders can cause irregular periods, as well as other symptoms such as weight gain or loss, fatigue, and anxiety.
These conditions can also cause PMS-like symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between PMS and a more serious underlying condition. If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
4. Insomnia
Many women experience difficulty sleeping during their premenstrual phase due to hormonal changes. However, if you find that you are consistently struggling with sleep during this time and it is impacting your overall quality of life, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Insomnia is a common symptom of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as well as other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and thyroid disorders.
PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects up to 5% of menstruating women. In addition to insomnia, PMDD can cause symptoms such as severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability. PMDD can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, making it essential to seek treatment if you suspect you may have this condition.
Anxiety and depression can also cause insomnia, as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Thyroid disorders can also lead to sleep disturbances, as well as other symptoms such as weight gain or loss, temperature sensitivity, and changes in heart rate.
5. Other Unusual Symptoms
While PMS typically presents with physical and emotional symptoms, there are times when it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you experience any unusual symptoms during your premenstrual phase, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. These symptoms may include severe fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, or changes in vision. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires further investigation and treatment.
While, on the whole, PMS is quite common and normal for everyone having a menstrual cycle, attention needs to be paid to changing symptoms. If you have extreme physical symptoms, sharp mood swings, irregularities in your menstrual cycle, difficulty sleeping, or any other unusual symptoms, this probably means a more serious condition. More important than anything else is discussing these symptoms with your doctor. Such would help find out what causes the symptoms and monitor treatment. Keep track of the symptoms and relate any changes to a health care provider for optimum management regarding overall health and well-being.
