Understanding Premenstrual Tension

Premenstrual tension, or PMT is the name for the symptoms experienced by women, usually in the week or two before and sometimes the first few days of menses. There are many different symptoms, physical, emotional and psychological, and while most every woman experiences one or more of these symptoms at some time or other, the intensity and regularity with which they are experienced varies greatly from woman to woman.

Premenstrual tension is also commonly known as premenstrual syndrome, meaning that PMS and PMT are essentially the same thing, the different terms being used in different regions and countries. The terms are most commonly used as acronyms and are often used to refer to the typical mood swings and physical changes that come before menses.

It is very common to hear a woman say that she has PMT. This does not necessarily mean that she has clinical premenstrual tension, which is more than just experiencing the discomfort that comes premenstrually. In order to be diagnosed with the syndrome a woman's doctor will have her keep track of her symptoms and their intensity according to her monthly cycle. A diagnosis usually comes when a woman experiences a number of symptoms to the degree that they make it difficult for her to function normally in her social and occupational capacities.

Some of the most common symptoms of PMT include irritability, unhappiness and tension or mood swings. However, there is a long list of other symptoms a woman might experience including bloating, cramping, tenderness of breasts, acne, headache, joint or muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia and the worsening of existing skin, respiratory and eye disorders.

When you hear someone refer to PMT as the reason for their mood or irritability issues, even though they may not have been clinically diagnosed, or even have symptoms severe enough to merit such a diagnosis, their emotions probably do result from hormonal changes taking place in their bodies prior to their period.

Premenstrual tension is the way our bodies naturally respond to hormone levels, their fluctuations, but sometimes even normal levels. There are risk factors, however, which can increase the intensity of the symptoms experienced. Some of these include using such substances as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and sugar. Missing certain nutrients in your diet can also exacerbate symptoms. People with a history of depression, or who have PMT in the family, are more likely to suffer.

Because generally speaking premenstrual tension is a natural occurring syndrome, many feel that dealing with it naturally is the best way. Making changes in your diet to exclude foods and beverages that have a negative effect on your mood is a great way to start. Eating healthy help you to feel better and allows your body to get what it needs to help keep you going at the best level possible. Exercise, as a natural stress reliever and mood enhancer is another great healthy and natural way to combat the symptoms of PMT.

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