"Today is NOT the day you cross me..!" THAT time of the month...

"I am Hungry.. No, I am Sad.. Maybe I am Angry that I am sad & hungry.. Hangry? Chocolate? Movie? Wine?"

Sounds familiar, ladies? Even guys, when you have to deal with your bae's "THAT" time of the month.. When she goes from your sweet, cute, lovey-dovey pie to a hangry, raging monster who cries/screams at the drop of a pin? Eh? And you know that her period is coming soon & no one could be happier & more relieved than you? Imagine what she's going through! Today, we'll discuss the monster that is Pre Menstrual period.


Pre Menstrual period is roughly 7-10 days BEFORE your period & symptoms subside in a few days after periods begin. It consists mainly of 2 types of symptoms: -

1. Physical - 
1. Bloating - clothes / rings feel tighter
2. Heavy & painful breasts
3. Acne
4. Fatigue & tiredness
5. Sleep disturbances
6. Appetite changes & Cravings
7. Abdominal cramps
8. Constipation/Diarrhoea
9. Lower back pain
2. Psychological - 
1. Increased emotional sensitivity
2. Mood swings
3. Anger & Irritability
4. Anxiety
5. Depression
6. Crying

• 80-90% of menstruating females suffer from 1 or more symptoms at some point in their lifetime.
• 20-30% women suffer from symptoms that affect daily functioning - Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
• 3-8% women suffer from greater psychological symptoms - Pre-Menstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD)

Now, why are we women cursed with it❓❓ Well, it is a part-and-parcel of the reproductive cycle. Estrogen & Progesterone are out best friends during the reproductive years & they're partly responsible. Here's how: -

• Estrogen produced in the body during egg maturation causes the body to hold onto excess salt & water ➝ Physical symptoms of bloating, weight gain etc.
• Progesterone produced after egg has ruptured - binds to the GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter (yeah, big word!) & helps one to tackle stressful situations. Low GABA = Anxiety & Irritability!
• Low levels of Serotonin (a feel-good hormone) are found in the premenstrual phase in some women which lead to depression & crying.

What can you do?
PMS & PMDD surely warrant a Gynec consult & treatment. There maybe some underlying illnesses that need to be looked for & treated if present.

But the rest of us can take care of few things to make our monthly cycles more comfortable at home itself!

1. Drink lots of water. And other fluids. Duh. You didn't see that one coming, did you? Water dilutes the excess salt (which causes the water retention). "लोह लोहे को काट ता है", you know! 
2. Put that salt-shaker down (your body is already holding onto salt!).
3. Ease up on the Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Colas).
4. Move your body. Now..! Exercise releases feel-good hormones called Endorphins which lighten your mood. And relieves the cramps & body ache.
5. Eat whole, un-processed foods (Atta or whole flour instead of maida or refined flour, brown rice instead of white, fresh fruit instead of juices, etc).
6. Stock up on almonds, apples, pears, citrus fruits, tuna etc.
7. Let Go! Of all stress..! Try meditation, soothing music, a hot bath, a hot cup of green tea or hot chocolate (you know you are craving it!).

PS - If you still feel like a raging She-Hulk, maybe it's time to head to your Gyno who can prescribe some meds to turn you back into Bruce Banner 😉 Cheers!


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