Premenstrual syndrome
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Painful breasts, swollen belly, fatigue, headaches, irritability... More than half of all women experience this type of discomfort before their period.
The premenstrual syndrome is a set of physical and psychic symptoms generally felt the week before menstruation:
Physical symptoms:
- Painful breasts ;
- Swollen belly ;
- Headaches, migraines ;
- Fatigue ;
- Insomnia/Hypersomnia ;
- Fringes ;
- Appetite disorders ;
- Abdominal cramps, muscle pain ;
- Acne.
Psychic symptoms :
- Mood disorders ;
- Irritability / aggressiveness ;
- Difficulty concentrating ;
- Anxiety ;
- Depression.
The duration and intensity of symptoms vary from one woman to another; about 10% of them report significant difficulties that will affect their quality of life.
What are the causes?
The causes of premenstrual syndrome are still poorly understood. However, it is known that it is linked to hormonal variations in the second part of the female cycle: after ovulation, oestrogen levels fall while progesterone levels rise. If fertilisation has not taken place, progesterone secretion drops at the end of the cycle, triggering the onset of menstruation. Too much oestrogen and/or too little progesterone during this period leads to water retention and breast pain. In addition, these hormonal variations are perceived by the brain and will influence the secretion of certain neuro-mediators, thus causing the psychic symptoms felt.
What are the solutions?
Numerous studies have revealed the interest of plants such as chaste tree and alchemilla to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
