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Premenstrual syndrome, premenopause and menopause – women keep suffering silently

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SOMA

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Updated

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Black-and-white portrait of a worried middle-aged woman resting her chin on her hands

Premenstrual syndrome, premenopause and menopause : women keep suffering silently

But is suffering limited to women?

  • Mood Swings and Irritability: Many women experience drastic mood swings and irritability, affecting their interpersonal relationships.

  • Depression and Anxiety: A significant number report feelings of depression or heightened anxiety, impacting their mental health.

  • Concentration Difficulties: The ability to focus and perform mentally intensive tasks can decline, affecting professional life.

  • Cramps and Headaches: These can range from mild to debilitating, often requiring medication.

  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, despite adequate rest, makes daily activities challenging.

  • Bloating and Weight Gain: Fluid retention leads to discomfort and impacts self-esteem.

  • Premenopausal Syndrome: Women in the premenopausal phase may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. There’s also a noticeable change in libido, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during intercourse.

  • Emotional symptoms are profound and often the most challenging aspect of both conditions. Women may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm. There’s also a reported decrease in concentration and a sense of losing control over emotions, leading to tension in personal and professional relationships.

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  3. Tarannum F, Khalique N, Eram U. Premenstrual syndrome: Prevalence, symptoms, and associated risk factors among adolescent girls in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Indian J Public Health. 2021 Oct-Dec;65(4):396-399. doi: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_985_21. PubMed PMID: 34975086.

  4. A DM, K S, A D, Sattar K. Epidemiology of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Feb;8(2):106-9. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8024.4021. Epub 2014 Feb 3. PubMed PMID: 24701496; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3972521.

  5. Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Premenstrual Syndrome. 2024 Jan;. PubMed PMID: 32809533.

  6. Imai A, Ichigo S, Matsunami K, Takagi H. Premenstrual syndrome: management and pathophysiology. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2015;42(2):123-8. Review. PubMed PMID: 26054102.

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This article is for education and general information. It is not a substitute for a medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary by individual biology.

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