Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS...Premenstrual Syndrome...

I'm down with it again.  Well this happens every month. I abhor it but I can't help it. It's part of being a woman. 

Wikipedia defines Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or perimenstrual syndrome as a collection of emotional symptoms, with or without physical symptoms, related to a woman's menstrual cycle.

My friend Nora calls it PMSing.

A few days ago, I asked Nora to come out of her hiding place so that we can meet and have fun. Her reply was, "I'm PMSing".  I didn't push my luck because I know how it feels like to be PMSing. I'm feeling it right now.  I don't want to see anyone. I'm super sensitive right now. I see no reason to be joyful. I'm a total wreck. I feel ugly, yes, super ugly with pimples on the chin! I feel like crying. Everything and everyone seems against me. These and more are signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Most women, if not all, experiences it.  I'm writing this so that people, specially the husbands, boyfriends and lovers can take cue and understand our situation. Do not laugh at us women, please...We're not just acting out when PMS occurs. As I said, we don't like it but it's just there, we feel it.

There were documented serious cases of PMS where women committed suicide. This form of PMS has its own designation — premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome with signs and symptoms including severe depression, feelings of hopelessness, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, irritability and tension. It is a must to check on your wife, daughter, friend and lover if she's  experiencing severe physical pain and emotional stress enough to affect their daily routines and activities. A number of women with severe PMS may have an underlying psychiatric disorder and must be brought to the doctor to avoid untoward incident. 

Luckily, few women with premenstrual syndrome have disabling symptoms every month. Most common symptoms are tension or anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, mood swings and irritability or anger, appetite changes and food cravings, insomnia, social withdrawal, poor concentration, joint or muscle pain, headache, fatigue, weight gain related to fluid retention, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, acne flare-ups and constipation or diarrhea.

Regardless of their severity, though, women need more understanding, love and care during this time. Please do understand us, di ito arte lang. 

Note: Did you notice? I did not put any photos. That's because I'm PMSing. I feel the two U - ugly, and unhappy...

But since this is a happy blog, my last words - THIS TOO SHALL PASS until the menstrual cycle is over...