Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that start one week before a woman's menstrual period. It can be characterized by moods swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. The symptoms go away after the period starts. For some women the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with their normal lives. These symptoms are more likely to be bothersome to women in there late 20's and early 40's and they tend to occur in predictable patterns. Yet the physical and emotional changes a woman experience with PMS may change in intensity in some months.



The symptoms of PMS include tension, anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, mood swings, irritability, anger, appetite changes, food cravings, trouble falling asleep, social withdrawal, and poor concentration. Physical symptoms include joint or muscle pain, headache, fatigue, weight gain from water retention, bloating, breast tenderness, acne flare ups, constipation or diarrhea. Most women only experience a few symptoms not all of them at a time.

For some women the physical and emotional stress from PMS can be so severe that it will interfere with normal activities but symptoms normally go away after the period has started. Women with severe pre menstrual syndrome that have disabling symptoms may have a disorder called premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Symptoms include severe depression, feelings of hopelessness, anger, anxiety, low self esteem, difficulty concentrating, and irritability or tension.

The causes of premenstrual syndrome are not known. But there are several factors may contribute to the condition. Changes in hormones seem to be a major cause because symptoms change with hormone fluctuations and disappear with menopause or pregnancy. Chemical changes in the brain may be a culprit as well. Fluctuations in serotonin play a role in mood states and this could trigger symptoms. Lacking serotonin could be the cause of food cravings, sleep problems, fatigue, and premenstrual depression. Some PMS symptoms could be linked to low levels of vitamins and minerals.

If you have very little luck trying to mange you're PMS with life styles changes and they are severe enough to interfere with your normal life it may be time to see a doctor. Keeping a record of your signs and symptoms can help you and your doctor find a treatment that is best for you. Note the day you start having symptoms what they were and how bad, and do this every day till they stop. You should keep record of at least 3 periods.

Try some life style changes before you go to the doctor to get prescription medication. Changing your diet can help if you eat smaller meals, limit salt intake, eat more fruits and veggies, foods high in calcium, taking a multivitamin, and avoiding caffeine. Exercise at least 30 minutes. Doing walking, cycling, or swimming most days of the week. Get plenty of sleep, practice muscle relation, or deep breathing exercises, and try to get a massage.

PMS Combo by Bell is an all natural product that Alternative Health Supplements offers to relieve symptoms. It will help to reduce symptoms of PMS, prevent mood swings, nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, depression, and ease cramping before and during your cycle. It reduces inflammation in female organs, and soothes diuretic.