Understanding PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) :

PMS is a clustering of symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, varying between 2 and 12 days before the onset of menses, and resolving within the first 24 hours of flow. Women have symptoms like abdominal cramps, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, backache, skin issues, swollen or tender breasts, and many more. When these symptoms happen month after month, and they affect a woman’s normal life

During menstruation, the muscles of the uterus contract in response to hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, produced by the lining of the uterus. The levels of prostaglandins increase prior to menstruation, and peak at the start of the menses causing discomfort. The levels decline again as a woman menstruates, resulting in less uterine discomfort or cramps after the first few days of the menstrual period.

Most women of reproductive age have one or more emotional or physical symptoms in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. The length of symptom expression varies between a few days and 2 weeks. Symptoms often worsen substantially 6 days before, and peak at about 2 days before menses start. Anger and irritability are the most severe complaints and start slightly earlier than other symptoms.

PMS Symptoms:

PMS Symptoms are different for every women. Most women experience PMS symptoms such as some pain or discomfort during the menses. You may get physical symptoms such as bloating or gassiness, or emotional symptoms, such as sadness, or both. Your symptoms may also change throughout your life.

If PMS symptoms are severe to the extent when they affect the quality of life severely, you may have Dysmenorrhea (recurrent and painful menstruation) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD - a severe form of PMS, that causes serious mood changes).

Dysmenorrhea is a clustering of symptoms that occurs one to two days before menses, diminishing within two to four days into the flow.

It is of two types: 1. Primary dysmenorrhea, and 2. Secondary dysmenorrhea.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea: Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for common menstrual cramps that come back over and over again (recurrent) and aren’t due to other diseases. The pain usually begins one or two days before you get your period or when the bleeding actually starts. You may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs.

2. Secondary dysmenorrhea: If you have painful periods because of a disorder or an infection in your female reproductive organs, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps. You usually don’t have nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea.

Clearly, the impact of the discomforts related to PMS and dysmenorrhea influence women's responses to their daily responsibilities and affect their quality of life both physically and mentally.

PMS Management:

Premenstrual symptoms and Primary Dysmenorrhea are often managed using Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain, oral contraceptives to reduce the menstrual fluid volume, diuretics to reduce water retention, and antidepressants or serotonin re-uptake inhibitors to improve psychological and behavioral well-being.

More often than not all these above-mentioned medications have a negative impact on the body. Also, it should be noted that these medications have specific actions and one drug alone will not be enough for complete relief from PMS. If any healthy regularly menstruating woman is to consider any of these as a constant for every monthly cycle, she is more likely to experience a side effect of these drugs. Periods are natural and they are not meant to be uncomfortable, and if unfortunately, they are one should only resort to nature for treatment.

Unived’s PMS Management is one such product that is made with natural ingredients along with vitamin D3 and B6, Magnesium, and Iron that will help relieve both psychological as well as physical symptoms of PMS without disturbing your reproductive health so you can have a comfortable menstrual cycle.