PMS – fact versus fiction

PMS is real

PMS has its doubters – people who deny its existence or shrug it off as ‘no big deal’. But PMS is real.

Research shows around 90% of women experience some symptoms of it. It’s also very common in the teenage years and during perimenopause.

“PMS can dramatically affect quality of life for some people. It can affect their ability to function, maintain relationships, and work or go to school,” explains Dr Sonia Davison, an endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Clinic.

Symptoms differ from person to person and can include emotional symptoms like irritability, anxiety, mood changes and sadness. There are also physical symptoms including cramping in the pelvic area, bloating around the belly, breast tenderness and skin problems, such as acne.

PMS isn’t caused by a ‘hormonal imbalance’

Dr Davison says many women and girls mistakenly believe their PMS is due to a hormonal imbalance. While no one knows the exact cause of PMS, Dr Davison says: “PMS happens when there are normal variations in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

“It tends to occur at a time in the menstrual cycle when both of these hormone levels are declining.

“Those affected by PMS have normal levels of these hormones but they may have an increased sensitivity to them.”

“This means that some people will have symptoms of PMS, which may be anywhere from mild to debilitating, and some will not notice any bothersome symptoms within the cycle,” explains Dr Davison.

Natural therapies may improve PMS – but there’s a catch

Many people use vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural therapies to help relieve their PMS symptoms. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are 2 commonly used treatments that have been shown to work well.

Then there are chaste tree supplements, also called Vitex or Vitex agnus castus. This is a herbal medicine that has been linked to PMS relief, though more evidence is needed to support its use. Also, this herb is not suitable for everyone. For example, it should not be taken with the Pill. It’s best used only through a prescription from a qualified naturopath or health professional.

Other supplements used for PMS relief include vitamin B6, magnesium and evening primrose oil. Although these are popular, there isn’t enough evidence to support their use.

It’s important to remember that although natural therapies can be effective, they are often not a ‘quick fix’. “Complementary medicines and therapies need to be taken for a minimum of 3 months [to see if they work for you],” says Sandra Villella, a naturopath and herbalist at the Jean Hailes Clinic.

And even though there might be products you can purchase yourself online or from your local pharmacy, for more tailored, effective and safe management of PMS, Ms Villella recommends seeing a qualified professional. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” she says.

Tell your doctor if you take any supplements, as they can affect other medicines.

Medications can help

If you’d prefer to take the medical route, there are several options that can help with PMS. These include hormonal treatments (such as the Pill), certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatories.

Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

If PMS is impacting your quality of life, it’s important to get help

If you are struggling and your symptoms are impacting your work, studies or quality of life, it’s important to see your doctor. You deserve to be listened to and supported no matter the health condition.

It’s also important to reach out for help because your symptoms could be masking another medical issue like depression, endometriosis or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Your doctor can help find out what’s going on.

Learn more about PMS.