PMS Cramps - 5 Common Myths

Our society forbids us to talk about certain issues in public. Issues like sex, periods, etc. especially are a taboo to speak about. Why are these issues treated as "Inappropriate" in our society? I wasn’t aware of PMS until I witnessed a person going through it. If you're a woman, chances are you've encountered PMS at some point in your life, either personally or through friends and family. Not everyone gets a chance to share what they feel, not even with their own family. So it is time we start talking about it.

What is PMS(premenstrual syndrome)-

It refers to physical or emotional symptoms that women experience before their menses. 90% of menstruating women face these conditions.

Symptoms include mood swings, stomach cramps, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression.

There has been a lot of talk about periods. Now, women have mustered enough courage to talk about it openly. Sadly, the topic of PMS is still left out, and most are left uneducated. Most girls still interpret it is their time of the month but worry when they don’t bleed.

Let's look at 5 common myths associated with PMS -

1. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is all in the mind- This is one of the most talked about myths regarding PMS that it is not real. But you should know that it is real and it exists, and most menstruating women go through it. It has been indicated in many scientific journals that it exists. So, you don't need to feel that it is just in your mind.
2. PMS and period are the same- It is straightforward, despite having the “pre” in PMS, most people confuse it with the period. They think that they are experiencing a period. But it is referring to the time before your menses starts. So never confuse your PMS with your period.
3. There is a fixed definition of PMS- There isn't a standard definition of PMS in medical society because the symptoms are so vast that it is not possible to put it in a single definition, you should know that there are almost 150 symptoms that are associated with PMS. It is not only psychologically dependent but also culturally dependent. Some studies show that women from different cultures and origins have different types of symptoms. So, a woman in England and India may have different symptoms of PMS.
4. It doesn't get more complicated- This is one of the biggest myths about PMS, that it's only about mood swings and physical pain, and doesn't get worse. But in reality, there is a phenomenon called premenstrual dysphoric disorder( PMDD). That causes such massive effects in the premenstrual period that it's considered as depressive disorders. Essentially, it releases a huge depressive episode in the premenstrual period. So the person with depression or a person with a family history of depression are prone to have it. Around 2-10 % of all women with periods, suffer from it.
5. You have to live with It - It is also a widespread myth that there is nothing you can do about it and you will have to live with it. But this is not true. With proper care and precautions, you can ease and reduce the symptoms of PMS. You can avoid some specific foods which aggravate the symptoms. Food that is low in sugar, processed food and highly inflammatory food best be avoided. A healthy lifestyle will help you balance your hormones which can ease your PMS.

So these are 5 common myths about PMS we should bid goodbye to right now. There are few things you can try when you are PMSing that are believed to be effective.

Physical exercises help you overcome cramps. When you orgasm, your body releases "dopamine and oxytocin" which is a natural pain reliever. So sex and masturbation help you a lot during the period. Plus orgasms puts you to sleep.

Men around women having PMS can also be a support system for them, and this helps them to a great extent. So next time you witness that your partner or wife or girlfriend is PMSing, don't run away from her. Support her and help her get through PMS.

Premenstrual syndrome is a natural, if sometimes challenging, part of many women's lives. By dispelling these common myths, we can pave the way for a more informed and compassionate perspective on PMS. It's time we lift the veil of misunderstanding and replace it with empathy and understanding. After all, embracing the reality of PMS is a step towards empowering women to navigate their bodies and emotions with grace and confidence

So, the next time you're battling those PMS demons, armed with a hot water bottle and a sense of humour, remind yourself that you're navigating the ebb and flow of hormones like the fierce warrior that you are. Until next time, stay fabulous and keep those PMS myths in check!

We would love to hear about your experience with PMS or tips that help you have a happier period, so feel free to share with us.