Pre-rhythm syndrome is a combination of physical, emotional, psychological, and mood disorders that some women experience after ovulation until the next p
Premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical, emotional, psychological, and mood disorders that some women experience after ovulation until the next period. Symptoms last five to eleven days before menstrual flow and disappear at the beginning of menstruation (1).
Most symptoms of PMS tend to be similar to the early symptoms of pregnancy. This makes confusion between the two natural, especially if menstruation does not come on time.
Read this MomJunction post to learn about the unique differences and similarities between PMS symptoms and early pregnancy.
We first understand the differences between PMS and pregnancy symptoms, and then the symptoms common to both.
PMS: You may not have any bleeding or spotting before your period starts. When your period starts, you may have more heavy bleeding, which may last for a week.
Pregnancy: If the embryo attaches to the uterus, you may see a light spot (pink or dark brown) during implantation (6 to 12 days after fertilization) (2). It can last for a few days and is shorter than menstruation.
PMS: You may feel exhausted even if you have not done anything strenuous, and it will disappear when your period is around the corner (3). You can deal with your fatigue by practicing some exercises that can improve your sleep.
Pregnancy: If your period is delayed and you are very tired, this may be a symptom of pregnancy. This can last throughout pregnancy due to an increase in progesterone levels, which causes a decrease in blood pressure and sugar levels. Good nutrition, deep breathing exercises, short naps and drinking enough water during the day can help (4).
PMS: Your eating habits are likely to change with PMS. You may crave sweets, chocolates, carbohydrates or salty foods, and you will have a raging appetite. Although you crave some food (5), you can easily resist appetites and temptations.
Pregnancy: Some foods may cause extreme cravings and others may be averse. Some women also suffer from eating pizza, where they feel that they are eating non-food products such as dried flakes, pieces of metal and ice. In this case, you should consult your doctor immediately (6). These signs do not appear in PMS.
PMS: Women do not feel sick or vomit when menstruation is late, but in rare cases you may experience nausea (7).
Pregnancy: Most women experience nausea in early pregnancy. If your period is late and you have extreme nausea, you may be pregnant. Nausea starts at any time two to eight weeks after pregnancy and lasts throughout pregnancy. This is known as morning sickness, which can occur at any time (8).
[Read: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy]
PMS : Seizures or dysmenorrhea during PMS are common and vary in severity according to genetic location and body system. However, with the onset of bleeding, the pain decreases slowly at the end of the flow (9). Seizures and associated pain are likely to decrease with age (10).
Pregnancy: If a fertilized egg enters the uterine wall, it can cause mild abdominal cramps with lubrication in early pregnancy. You may experience cramps in the lower back or lower abdomen that last for weeks or even months, lasting much longer than cramps in PMS (11).
If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be difficult to tell if this is due or if you are pregnant (5) (12).
Back pain: If your period is approaching and you are also pregnant, you may experience back pain. Headaches: Headaches and migraines are common during pregnancy and before menstruation. Constipation : The hormone progesterone causes digestive problems such as constipation. As this level rises in the second half of the menstrual cycle, it also affects women with PMS. Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can also cause constipation (13). Soft and swollen breasts: Before the period and at the beginning of pregnancy, you may experience breast pain, soreness, swelling, tenderness, heaviness, tenderness and enlargement (14). Increased urination: You are likely to experience frequent urination if you are menstruating at the beginning and beginning of pregnancy (15). Mood swings: Irritability, depression, anxiety, crying, and mood swings are all normal before menstruation (16) and during pregnancy (2).
These symptoms can cause anxiety if you are expecting to have a baby or if you are not using contraception during intercourse. You can check for some other unique symptoms that are likely to indicate pregnancy and not PMS.
[Read: Mood swings during pregnancy]
Some symptoms are specific to pregnancy and may not occur during the approaching period or PMS.
Nipple darkening: Estrogen levels in the body increase, leading to areola size or nipple enlargement. As pregnancy progresses, this development causes the areola to darken, which may remain dark after delivery (2). Changes in cervical mucus : One of the most common signs of ovulation is changes in the cervical mucus. When a woman becomes pregnant, the mucus becomes white, milky and thin. It can also be sticky (17). Shortness of breath: You would have shortness of breath if a growing uterus pushes your abdomen upwards, reducing the space for exchanging oxygen (18). Increase in basal body temperature: If you are pregnant, the basal body temperature (BBT) rises between 0.5 and 1.5 ° F shortly after ovulation and remains high during pregnancy (19).
It is imperative to know the correct cause of your symptoms as this will help determine if you are pregnant or not. The best way to find the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms is to do a home pregnancy test in case of delayed menstruation.
It is a good idea to consult your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms or any problems with your symptoms.
If you notice a positive result in a home pregnancy test, your doctor may confirm this with additional tests. If additional testing is negative during pregnancy but your period does not return, your doctor may perform additional tests. Medicines are prescribed based on the causes of the condition.
In the next section, we will answer some common questions about PMS and pregnancy symptoms that you may like best. Read on!
1. What is the menstrual cycle?
It is a monthly series of physical changes that a woman experiences in preparation for pregnancy. One ovary releases an egg each month (a process called ovulation) and the hormones keep your body healthy to prepare your uterus for pregnancy. When ovulation occurs and the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus is released during menstruation. The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the period to the first day of a consecutive period. The average cycle lasts 28 days and the cycles vary from 21 to 35 days in adults and even up to 21 to 45 days in adolescents (20).
2. When does PMS start?
Symptoms of PMS usually begin around day 14 of the menstrual cycle and can last up to one to two days after the onset of menstruation (21).
3. Is premenstrual syndrome normal?
Premenstrual syndrome is normal. Only a few symptoms disrupt the daily routine, leading to a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Making a few simple routine changes and adjustments can help you get through PMS. However, you need to see a doctor for PMDD.
[Read: how to control anger during pregnancy]
4. Do women with PMS see hormonal changes?
From PMS to menopause, changing hormones are likely to affect weight and mood. They also affect the brain's serotonin, showing significant changes in mood, often resulting in mood swings. For some women, PMS can be smooth without any adverse changes and effects, while for others it can be a marine accident with any hormonal fluctuation (22).
5. Can you have PMS while using birth control pills?
Some women say that birth control pills reduce the symptoms of PMS, while others say severe symptoms of PMS. Hormonal changes and decreases in hormonal levels during PMS do not occur if you use birth control pills. This means that some women would have less or no PMS. In some cases, hormones fluctuate while taking birth control pills and are expressed in PMS (23).
6. Can I have PMS but no period?
You may have PMS, but you are not menstruating for several reasons. These can include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anemia, psychological stress, nutritional imbalance, contraceptives, weight loss, strenuous exercise, and more.
7. Should I be treated for PMS?
Treatment can help you manage PMS so that it does not affect your daily activities. Changing your diet and lifestyle can help with mild to moderate PMS. However, if it is severe, your doctor will prescribe medication or recommend treatments. However, the success of medical treatment varies among women.
8. What dietary and lifestyle changes can I try to alleviate PMS?
You can take nutrients, including vitamins, exercise, reduce stress, and consider herbal medications to relieve PMS.
9. What about herbal remedies for PMS?
Evening primrose oil, pure fruit extracts, saffron, Ginkgo Biloba and St. John's wort are some herbal remedies that can relieve the symptoms of PMS. However, you should consult your doctor before including them, as they may cause side effects and drug interactions (23).
10. Do you have symptoms of PMS even when you are pregnant?
You may not have symptoms of PMS during pregnancy because you are not menstruating. Pregnancy has its own set of hormonal changes and symptoms.
11. How common is PMS?
About three out of four menstruating women experience some form of PMS symptoms in their lifetime. Some may experience mild symptoms, while less than 5 percent of women of childbearing potential are likely to have PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe form of PMS (1).
For a woman with no previous pregnancy experience, differentiation can be very difficult. So, if in doubt, always use a home pregnancy kit. It is important to see a doctor and get answers to all your questions.