SAEDNEWS: Before and during menstruation, women experience physical and emotional symptoms that can be uncomfortable and affect their relationship with their partner.
The intensity and nature of these symptoms can vary from person to person. During this time, it is crucial for the husband to be supportive and by his wife’s side. In fact, a husband’s behavior can help alleviate the intensity of the woman’s symptoms. What can a man do? How can he help his wife? In this article, we will explain this topic, but first, let’s discuss the symptoms before and after menstruation so you can have a complete understanding of this period and know what actions you should take.
PMS symptoms may disrupt certain aspects of a person’s life. Symptoms of PMS begin five to eleven days before menstruation and typically disappear when menstruation begins. The cause of PMS is unknown; however, many researchers believe it is related to changes in the levels of sex hormones and serotonin at the start of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone levels increase at specific times during the month. These hormone increases can lead to mood changes, anxiety, and irritability. Ovarian steroids also modulate activity in brain areas linked to premenstrual symptoms. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain and gut that affects mood, emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
Different tissues in women’s bodies are sensitive to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Research suggests that increases and decreases in hormones like estrogen and progesterone may also impact chemicals in the brain (including serotonin, which affects mood). However, it is still unclear why some women develop PMS or PMDD while others do not. Estrogen and progesterone levels are similar in both women who have these conditions and those who do not. Based on various studies, the most likely explanation for these conditions is that women with PMDD are particularly sensitive to the natural hormonal fluctuations.
A history of depression or mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or bipolar disorder
A family history of PMS
A family history of depression
Domestic violence
Substance abuse
Physical injury
Emotional trauma
PMS Symptoms
A woman’s menstrual cycle typically lasts 28 days. PMS symptoms start five to eleven days before menstruation and usually end when menstruation begins. The cause of PMS is unknown. Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries, occurs on day 14, and menstruation (bleeding) occurs on day 28 of the cycle. PMS symptoms can start around day 14 and last up to seven days. Symptoms are usually mild or moderate. According to the American Family Physician journal, nearly 80% of women report one or more symptoms that do not significantly affect daily functioning. 20 to 32% of women report moderate to severe symptoms that affect some aspects of their lives. 3 to 8% report PMDD. The severity of symptoms can vary by individual and month. PMS symptoms include:
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Breast tenderness
Acne
Cravings, especially for sweets
Constipation
Diarrhea
Headaches
Sensitivity to light or sound
Fatigue
Irritability
Changes in sleep patterns
Anxiety
Depression
Sadness
Emotional outbursts
Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment
As mentioned earlier, PMS symptoms can be alleviated with medication, supplements, and various treatments in traditional medicine. In the following, we will discuss some of these solutions.
Most traditional treatments for PMS symptoms involve lifestyle changes that should be selected based on each individual’s situation and type of PMS. For those experiencing bloating or digestive issues, it’s recommended to eat smaller meals during this period. To reduce water retention in the body, it’s important to limit salt intake and avoid salty foods. Additionally, according to traditional medicine for PMS, foods that contain high levels of complex carbohydrates—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods like dairy—should be consumed. Those who cannot get enough calcium from their diet may need supplements. During this time, at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking or cycling, should be done. Regular exercise can help reduce both emotional symptoms and abdominal pain during PMS.
Herbal teas can also help with PMS. Calming herbs, such as lavender tea or bitter orange blossom tea, can promote relaxation and improve mood. Ginger tea can also be used to warm the body and reduce symptoms.
Modern medicine prescribes various PMS medications based on the type of symptoms. These medications should be prescribed by a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided. Antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics are some of the medications that doctors may prescribe to alleviate symptoms.
Reports indicate that some people have prevented the onset of PMS symptoms by taking supplements such as calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium. However, this cannot be considered a scientific finding.
PMS is a very common condition, affecting more than 90% of women of reproductive age. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle, specifically right before menstruation begins. However, as a husband, you can help alleviate some of the pain your wife may experience. Below are some tips on how to help her during these days.
Track your wife’s menstrual cycle and keep a note so you are prepared. A thoughtful and knowledgeable husband does this so he knows when her mood is likely to change. When these changes occur, he can be understanding and not criticize her.
She may crave sweets or calorie-dense foods. It’s okay to prepare her favorite food once or twice. She will surely enjoy it, and it will help her feel happier.
Foods such as lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, and other fiber-rich foods can help relieve constipation.
Even if she experiences severe symptoms and it frustrates you, avoid making inappropriate jokes or mocking her feelings. If she wants to talk about her emotions, listen without judgment. Understand that the symptoms she is experiencing are beyond her control, and she is not at fault. These symptoms arise due to hormonal fluctuations and are natural. Be patient. If she wants some alone time, respect her wishes, but remind her that you are there for her and will help whenever she needs it. If she wants a hug, give her affection. Showing love can reduce both physical and emotional symptoms and be helpful. If you’re unsure how to emotionally support her, ask her directly what you can do for her. She will be able to guide you since everyone’s needs and desires are different.
If your wife experiences abdominal pain during menstruation, you can help alleviate it by massaging her, offering her water, or encouraging her to practice yoga or meditation. Drinking water is important because dehydration can also cause severe pain during menstruation. So, remind her to drink enough water each day.
To distract her from menstrual symptoms and reduce pain, engage in an activity you both enjoy, such as watching a movie together.
Encourage your wife to take a warm bath on painful days. This will help relax her muscles and calm her both physically and emotionally, reducing pain.
If you want to be intimate with her during this time, but she says she’s not in the mood or is tired, it’s not because you are no longer attractive to her. Changes in sexual desire during menstruation are completely natural. Be patient and don’t push her. Some women experience an increase in libido. In any case, understand these changes and don’t pressure your wife during this time.
Since these symptoms and changes are entirely natural, you cannot change them. You can only help your wife feel more at ease during this period and reduce the intensity of her symptoms. Therefore, don’t insist on changing it, as you will not succeed. What is natural and inherent cannot be altered.
During these days, when your wife may be more sensitive and irritable, try to avoid arguments. Don’t discuss important matters during this time because you may not receive logical or helpful responses. It’s better to talk about important topics when the timing is right. In general, try to reduce relationship tensions during this period.
