THE premenstrual tension, well known as TPM, consists of physical or psychological symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, and which, depending on the severity, can considerably affect a woman's quality of life. the symptoms of TPM they start around 26 years of age.
The real reasons that lead women to suffer with the TPM, and why some have more severe cases than others, but experts believe that TPM it has its cause in a combination of factors such as genetics, diet, psychological factors and hormonal changes.
Hormonal changes are the factors that have been most studied by specialists. Throughout the menstrual cycle, a woman's body prepares for a possible pregnancy. After 14 days of the cycle, the egg is released by the ovary and the ovulation period begins. With the end of ovulation, the symptoms of TPM begin to appear, and it is at this stage that the ovaries increase the production of estrogen hormones and begin the production of the hormone progesterone in order to prepare the woman's uterus for a pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the production of estrogen and progesterone drops, and this hormonal decrease causes the endometrium to die and be discarded, leading to menstruation. With menstruation, the symptoms of
Experts assume that the hormones estrogen and progesterone can interact with some chemical compounds in the body. brain called neurotransmitters, and that the result of this interaction affects mood and other perceived symptoms during the TPM.
Researchers believe that by affecting neurotransmitters, some of the symptoms of TPM are felt. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of well-being and regulates sleep and mood patterns. of estrogen is linked to a drop in the amount of serotonin, which causes irritation, depression, anxiety and desire for carbohydrates. The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid is associated with depression and anxiety, and progesterone can increase its activity. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that increase the sensation of pleasure and decrease the sensation of pain. They can have their activities affected by the presence of large amounts of progesterone and estrogen. Both adrenaline and norepinephrine are involved in the body's response to stress, and estrogen can affect the activities of the two neurotransmitters, influencing blood pressure, heart rate and mood.
Usually the PMS emotional symptoms are: easy crying, nervousness, unreasonable irritation, depression, sensitivity, anxiety, rapid change of mood, tension, difficulty in concentration, restlessness, insomnia, lethargy, feeling tired, low self-esteem and desire for some foods, such as chocolate and carbohydrates.
You PMS physical symptoms are: breast pain, swelling, headache, muscle pain, acne, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, cramps, changes in appetite, hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, among others.
There are no specific treatments for PMS, as symptoms vary greatly from one woman to another, but with some measures, it is possible to alleviate these symptoms by attributing an improvement to them. The performance of physical activities at least three times a week; avoid alcohol and cigarette consumption; avoid the consumption of simple carbohydrates, which are quickly absorbed by the body such as sweets, fruits, sugars; decreased consumption of salt, sugar, fat and beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, etc., can help decrease PMS symptoms.
Nothing has been proven yet, but some women have experienced improvement in their symptoms. TPM when they consumed vitamin B6 (very high doses of this vitamin can damage the nervous system), vitamin E, calcium and magnesium. Gamma linoleic acid, found in evening primrose oil, can also help alleviate the symptoms of TPM, but still without scientific proof. The consumption of complex carbohydrates can be important, together with the reduction of symptoms of TPM, as they are considered healthier and rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, with a small amount of simple sugars, such as rice and whole grain bread, yams, sweet potatoes, oats, etc. Calcium supplements with vitamin D and daily multivitamins can also be strong allies in the war against cancer symptoms. TPM.
By Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/tpm-tensao-pre-menstrual.htm
