Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Myth and Facts

A lack of understanding and the stigma associated with the menstrual cycle has caused a massive trivialisation of premenstrual syndrome. As a result, there are numerous myths surrounding PMS. In general, the phrase premenstrual syndrome is carelessly tossed about in conversation to ridicule women and impute it as a weakness. Normal anger or frustration of a woman is generally linked to her PMS-ing in a way that invalidates their disagreement and rage in an argument.

So, what is PMS exactly?

PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a cluster of physical, hormonal, and emotional symptoms that women experience before the start of their monthly cycle. PMS is far more nuanced than simply being labelled as having a bad mood. Many myths about PMS exist because of the dearth of knowledge and they must be addressed and debunked using scientific logic.

Busting period myth is the first step towards increasing awareness. The following are the top five myths related to PMS that you need to know about!

Table of Content

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:

1. Myth #1: PMS isn’t Real
2. Myth #2: Every Women Experiences PMS
3. Myth #3: PMS is All About Bad Mood
4. Myth #4: You Should Avoid Physical Activities
5. Myth #5: PMS is Same as Your Periods

Take Away

1. Myth #1: PMS isn’t Real

The casualness with which the word PMS is bandied around fosters the misconception that PMS does not exist. Women are stigmatized while sharing their premenstrual symptoms and discomfort as society is largely uneducated regarding menstruation.

FACT: According to studies, more than 90% of females suffer from one or more PMS syndrome. The experiences of such women render the myth of PMS not being real, completely erroneous. Several hormonal, physiological, and emotional changes take place when the female body prepares for menstruation. These factors contribute to the common PMS symptoms. 

Cramping and bloating are two of the most prevalent symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The majority of women experience moderate to mild cramps or bloating just before the start of their menstrual cycle. Along with these, a variety of other symptoms can all have a detrimental effect on overall mood. The hormonal changes in the body just before menstruation might also contribute to mood swings.

2. Myth #2: Every Women Experiences PMS

Another popular misconception is that PMS affects every woman who menstruates. While this is true to some extent, it is not accurate. Periods, in general, are not a homogeneous experience for all women. The length of their menstrual cycle, discomfort and premenstrual symptoms are all distinct.

FACT: Many women may have one or more of the PMS symptoms. However, it would be incorrect to assume that every woman who has menstruation has PMS. As PMS is a group of different syndromes, each woman can experience a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. While some women find it easy throughout their periods, others find combating premenstrual symptoms tremendously difficult.

The severity of PMS is determined by a variety of factors such as age, diet, level of physical activity, hormones, and genetics.

3. Myth #3: PMS is All About Bad Mood

Although anger, irritation, and irritability are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, PMS is more than just a bad mood.

FACT: There are significant physiological changes that occur in a female’s body just before it is about to shed the blood lining in the uterus. During menstruation, the uterus prepares to shed the endometrial lining that has formed over the course of a month. As a result, a woman may suffer moderate to severe cramps before her menstruation.

While some women may feel agitated due to hormonal changes, others experience severe premenstrual syndrome, which is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

PMDD is a severe form of PMS in which all PMS symptoms are accentuated. It can disrupt work and normal day-to-day life. Some of the most common premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms experienced as early as two weeks before the menstrual cycle include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and backache.

4. Myth #4: You Should Avoid Physical Activities

No scientific evidence indicates that physical activities can negatively harm your health when you are PMS-ing. Of course, it is normal to not feel like exercising if you have significant cramps or fatigue. However, if your PMS symptoms are mild to moderate, exercise might help minimize your period-related discomfort.

FACT: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, low to moderate-intensity aerobic activities can help reduce the cramps and bloating that are typical before your periods begin.

Along with cardiovascular workouts, strength training, such as lifting lighter weights, can help minimize muscle cramps and help lessen your PMS symptoms.

Yoga, another form of exercise, is highly recommended before or during PMS to alleviate symptoms. It includes breathing and relaxation exercises that can help decrease premenstrual stress, anxiety, and tension while also lifting your mood.

5. Myth #5: PMS is Same as Your Periods

While several symptoms of PMS may resemble those of your period, they are different. ‘PMS’ is the abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome. ‘Pre’ stands for before and ‘menstrual’ refers to your monthly cycle.

FACT: PMS is a group of physical, emotional, and hormonal symptoms that occur just before your menstruation begins. This might start up to two weeks before your period begins. PMS is caused by a reduction in oestrogen and progesterone levels just before menstruation. The top PMS symptoms include cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, food cravings, food aversions and tiredness.

For many women, premenstrual syndrome might be an indication that their periods are about to begin. A period occurs when the uterine lining sheds and you begin bleeding. This might last between 3–5 days. PMS symptoms normally go away when your period starts. The cramping and backaches during periods can be more intense and uncomfortable than PMS.

Take Away

It is critical to raise awareness about menstruation and premenstrual symptoms. Many women have frequent premenstrual symptoms but do not have proper awareness related to it due to the prevalence of a plethora of myths surrounding menstruation. Knowing your body from within, as well as your symptoms and menstrual cycle is critical for a healthy reproductive life.

In the case of mild to moderate premenstrual syndrome, at-home remedies can be an effective period cramp cure. However, if you have a severe premenstrual syndrome that impacts your overall quality of life, you should see a gynaecologist.

Dr Puja is a well-known Gynaecologist in South Delhi who is highly competent and informed. Dr Puja’s Clinic offers the most up-to-date and enhanced women’s health screening, diagnostic and treatments.