PMS and PMDD symptomsPremenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a more severe form of PMS) include a wide range of symptoms that occur in a cyclical pattern corresponding to a woman's periods.
PMS symptoms
- 'abdominal and pelvic cramps
- acne
- alcohol intolerance
- angry outbursts
- anxiety
- asthma
- being more prone to accidents
- bloating
- breast swelling and pain
- changes in libido
- confusion or fuzzy thinking
- cravings
- decreased balance
- depression
- difficulty with coordination
- dizziness
- edema (visible swelling particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
- especially for salty or sweet foods
- fainting
- fatigue
- headaches
- heart pounding (palpitation)
- hives
- insomnia
- irritability
- menstrual migraines
- mood swings
- nausea
- overeating
- sinus problems
- sore throat
- tearfulness
- urinary problems
- weight gain
- worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers
PMS often worsens over time. As symptoms become more prolonged, the symptom-free portion of the cycle shrinks. Some women experience PMS symptoms virtually all month'. http://www.pmsless.com/
A man complained that his wife is an angel for 15 days, but she becomes a devil for another 15 days. As soon as her menstruation begins, she becomes an angel. Some women suffer intolerable PMS symptoms.
Understand PMS with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM explains that in PMS, the liver overacts on spleen. The functions of the liver are
- It stores blood
- It ensures the smooth flow of Qi (energy)
Liver regulates the volume of blood in the whole body at any one time. This means that liver controls blood volume according to physical activity and menstruation. If the liver stores normal amount of blood, menstruation will be normal.
If amount of blood in the liver is less than it is supposed to be, there will be amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Oligomenorrhea is the medical term for infrequent uterine bleeding episodes with intervals of more than 35 days. The duration of such events may vary.
If there is an excess amount of blood in the liver, menorrhagia or metrorrhagia may follow. ('Menorrhagia is an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals.Metrorrhagia refers to vaginal bleeding among premenopausal women that is not synchronized with their menstrual period and is also called spotting.')
Many gynecological problems are due to malfunction of liver Qi or blood. If liver Qi is stagnant, this may lead to stagnation of the blood of the liver causing painful periods with premenstrual tension and the menstruated blood will show dark clots.
According to TCM, when liver overacts on spleen, all kinds of digestive dysfunction will follow. Stomach will be warmer than normal in this condition. When heat arises in stomach, craving sweet things like chocolate, overeating, weight gain due to overeating will follow. If the stomach heat arises, headache will follow. The stomach meridian is on the center of breast. Therefore, some women will experience breast swelling and pain due to stomach heat.
Acupuncture can reduce symptoms of PMS
Acupuncture is a great tool to control liver function. Some women experience calm, relaxation or peace during acupuncture treatments. Others feel no difference during treatment, but feel better later.
Acupuncture can adjust either deficiency or excess symptoms. All pains will be reduced significantly or gone after treatments. If you know a woman who has had acupuncture treatments, ask her how acupuncture affected her life after treatments.