Common premenstrual symptoms

Are you suffering from premenstrual symptoms? If you think so, you might be confused as there are always some controversy among medical experts when it comes to the differences between PMS or premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual discomfort. Thankfully, most are in agreement that the common premenstrual symptoms can significantly interfere with your relationships, daily activities or work.

The first thing you should know is that the PMS symptoms usually differs from one woman to the other when it comes to the type and severity. Some might only experience one or maybe two mild to moderate symptoms, while others might experience a number of moderate to several symptoms. Researchers and scientists are yet to give a definitive cause for PMS, but there are more than one hundred symptoms associated with the condition.

Here are the common premenstrual symptoms

Bloating which results in weight gain is one of the main symptoms. This usually occurs in the abdominal region and can be caused by gas, water retention and constipation.
Pain is another common symptom and this might occur in the lower back, head, joints and muscles or come in the form of cramps.
Women also complain about feeling fatigue as well as having a general loss of energy.

Tenderness and swelling of the breasts is also a common symptom. This usually results from an increase in the estrogen levels as the breast ducts become enlarged at this time. Some women might also have fluid leaking from one or two breasts. This leaking is known as nipple discharge and it can be white, clear, cloudy, brown, green or yellow. This leak is typically normal but you should consult a doctor if you notice that your nipple is discharging spontaneously without stimulation or pressure.

Many women experience changes in bowel movements and they might have constipation or diarrhea.

Another common symptom is changes in the appetite as well as continuous craving for certain foods, especially the sweet and salty types.

Many women have acne problems as well. This symptom occurs sometimes because of the fluctuations in the hormone levels.

In addition to the physical symptoms, you could also experience some common psychological premenstrual ones.

Premenstrual syndrome can cause you to experience moderate to mild mood swings or behavioral changes. The behavioral changes which women experience most commonly include aggression, irritability, and withdrawal from family and friends. You could have emotional changes which cause you to become depressed, anxious, angry and less alert or lack concentration.

If you are experiencing any of these common premenstrual symptoms and they become severe, it could be a sign of PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This is a more severe kind of premenstrual syndrome. In this case, you would need to consult a medical professional because prescription medicine might be needed to control the severe symptoms.