Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, describes symptoms that show up before your period. Symptoms can be based on emotions such as irritability or depression, or you may have physical symptoms like breast pain or bloating. These symptoms usually arise one to two weeks before you start your period and return at the same time each month.

What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and potentially debilitating form of PMS. Around 2% of people who menstruate have PMDD. With PMDD, you experience PMS symptoms but with much more intensity, especially when it comes to emotional responses and your mood. You’re more likely to experience anger, severe depression and anxiety with PMDD than with PMS.

How common is PMS?

Although it’s common to have one or a few premenstrual symptoms, clinically significant PMS occurs in only 3% to 8% percent of people who menstruate.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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