PMS Symptoms After Period

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to the physical and psychological change a woman experiences just a few days before her menstruation begins. Studies show premenstrual syndrome affects about one third of women all across the world, with mild to severe symptoms. These symptoms usually include breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, weight gain, nausea, backache, and many more.

The severity and the onset of these symptoms may vary from one woman to another, and from month to month in the same individual. These symptoms usually are not a cause of worry as they subside a day or so after the menstrual cycle begins. They can be alleviated by following some simple preventive measures and remedies. But symptoms of PMS that appear after periods is something unusual, and can be a matter of concern.

Though the actual cause for PMS is still unknown, studies show that after ovulation, there are lot of fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone levels which lead to PMS.

At times, these fluctuations also affect other hormones in the body such as aldosterone, a hormone responsible for regulating salt and water balance in the body, resulting in fluid retention and bloating.

However, some women are more sensitive to these hormonal changes, as a result they suffer symptoms that are more intense and last for a longer period, sometimes even after their menstruation is complete.

Breast Tenderness: Pain, tenderness and soreness especially around the nipples and areola is one of the most common symptom. Breast tenderness mainly occurs due to swelling and water retention in the body during the menstrual cycle.

Spotting: Spotting after period is also experienced by many women. This can be mainly due to hormonal changes, anxiety, stress, certain medications or drugs, or due to some health condition like diabetes, thyroid problems, etc.

Mood Swings: Mood swings is another common symptom which is often accompanied with irritability and depression and begins a few days before the period and continues during, as well as after it. Hormonal changes, stress or anxiety are the main causes that leads to mood swings after periods.

Food Cravings: Many women develop an increased appetite and cravings to eat a particular food item, especially sweets. The condition can be so intense that if their cravings for a specific food item are not satisfied, they get irritated and even depressed.

Bloating: Abdominal bloating or swelling in hands and legs occurs due to fluctuations in the fluid and electrolyte system as well as water retention in the body.

These symptoms can be relieved by taking proper rest, exercising regularly, meditating, avoiding stressful activities and consuming a diet high in calcium, proteins, but low in salt along with some vitamin supplements.

However, if the symptoms do not subside in a day or so and become more severe, do consult your health care provider to diagnose the underlying cause for these symptoms and prescribe necessary medications.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.