Medically reviewed by Dr. Unsa Mohsin.
If you are a woman, you must have already been a victim of PMS jokes or been taken jokily and told ‘It must be that time of the month’ because you expressed a negative, normal emotion such as anger or were trying to prove a point.
Do you know why it’s just a catch-all term towards all female emotions? Because even the field of medicine treats it vaguely and has brushed it off like everyone else cause ‘ah, women!’
So, in this blog post, we are going to talk about just how real premenstrual syndrome is. Let’s give it the attention that it needs!
Surprise! PMS is not just mood swings
If I tell you that premenstrual syndrome consists of more than 150 symptoms, it would not be an exaggeration. They can range from something as simple as bloating and minor cramps, to depression, migraines, and cramping that can land you in the hospital. In some cases, women even have to get their uteruses removed due to the unbearable pain.
Depression, lethargy and feeling out of control between ovulation and menstruation are given a separate name, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is the most extreme form of PMS. It can even be confused with other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. It would be a surprise for you to hear, but even many psychologists and psychiatrists are new to this.
Spreading awareness about Pre-Aunt Flo is the key
Female hormones are subjected to a lack of both research and education. Even though the overall understanding of the cause of PMS is still a mystery, it’s well apprehended that it is related to the hormonal changes during the luteal phase of the cycle.
It’s important for women to be able to comprehend their symptoms and not feel ashamed of talking about it. Whether it’s the out-of-the-blue cravings, crying without a reason or suicidal thoughts, a woman should not think ‘it’s just in my head.’ It’s high time we stop hushing our girls and give them space and awareness that they so desperately need.
Since, most women around the world experience premenstrual syndrome, it’s pretty obvious that it is as real as it can get. So, let’s start empathizing with our womenfolk and understand their problems, instead of making the same repetitive PMS jokes.
(A message for all the doctors and especially, gynecologists, please start occupying the room for research on this problem and provide us with better treatments).
Guest Post Credit: Dr. Maleeha Syed
