Premenstrual Magnification Could Be Affecting Your Lifestyle

Premenstrual Magnification Could Be Affecting Your Lifestyle

Here’s what happens when your ailments are enhanced during your menstrual cycle, causing magnification, and worsening your symptoms.

Most individuals, roughly 87 percent, experience symptoms with ovulatory menstrual cycles. Of those who experience more extreme side effects many will choose to self-treat, with only 17 percent ever seeking medical attention.

Dr. Jennifer Wider, M.D. told HelloFlo, “The symptoms depend on the condition, but include premenstrual flare-ups of illness that are sensitive to fluctuations in hormone levels.  For example, women who suffer from headaches, particularly migraines, may notice a flare up in symptoms around the time of their period.”

What should you look out for with magnification?

Depression

If you suffer from a depressive disorder or anxiety, your symptoms may be magnified during the premenstrual phase. Since moods do change all month, especially during PMS, there should be a clear differentiation of the mood condition.

Assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, Elizabeth Fitelson, MD, says that “A woman with depression may notice her negative feelings are amplified right before her period starts.”

Infections 

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts around 14 days. Many women have an increase rate of infections during this phase. Premenstrual magnification can increase this rate even more. Genital or facial herpes, colds, flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, and UTIs are all common infections that are prevalent.

IBS

During the luteal cycle, cramping is the most common symptom. However, women can misdiagnose IBS with cramping, which leads to pelvic pain. IBS can be aggravated during the luteal cycle.

Women already diagnosed with IBS can experience an intensified version the week prior to their period. Staying away from lactose, gluten, fiber, carbs, and caffeine can help ease any magnification.

Functional hypoglycemia

If you have a poor glucose tolerance and it worsens during your cycle, you may have premenstrual magnification. Mood swings accompany low glucose as it can cause irritability, cravings, and enhance negative shifts. A proper diet for hypoglycemia is very important to stabilize sugar levels.

What types of self care can help alleviate magnification?

Diet

High fiber, cabbage foods, salt restriction, sugar restriction and more calcium intake are all important to avoid aggravated any of the above symptoms. A hypoglycemic diet can help with poor glucose tolerance. The diet also helps individuals who have strong cravings during their premenstrual cycle.

Moreover, a productive diet includes avoiding alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. The intake of these ingredients can further disrupt sleeping patterns.

More natural and herbal supplements are also a great choice for individuals with these symptoms. Evening Primrose Oil, St. Johns wort, and Ginger tea are all beneficial to incorporate into ones vitamin intake.

Exercise 

To alleviate any pain, many individuals practice yoga or slower exercises for physical pain. Exercise can minimize negative mood change.

Moreover, to minimize stress or anxiety, meditation is incredibly valuable. Music relaxation and foot, ear, and hand reflexology also help with joint pain. If you are experiencing severe premenstrual symptoms, these are some ways to better alleviate issues.

Think you have PMM?

“Women need to be aware of the existence of premenstrual magnification so they can take precautions accordingly,” explains Dr. Wider. “For example, if a woman suffers from menstrual migraines, than studies have show she can be pre-treated with a certain type of medication which can lessen or possibly prevent the symptoms from setting in.”

Before you self-diagnose, make sure to track your symptoms over the course of three months and rack them on a scale. Talk to your doctor and seek help if your conditions worsen.

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