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Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the catch-all term given to a range of physical, emotional and psychological symptoms that appear in the lead up to a women’s period. The symptoms usually last for a few days leading up to the period and a few afterwards. Though most women are able to cope with the symptoms, a minority can find the symptoms so severe that their daily lives are disrupted. Common symptoms include irritability, mood swings, tenderness around the breasts, cravings and bloating, but there are dozens of other symptoms that can occur. The causes of PMS are not fully understood, but hormonal and chemical changes are certainly one possibility, as is stress and diet. Amendments to these areas are frequently the first stage used by GPs when looking for treatment, alongside diuretics, anti-inflammatory pills and oral contraceptives.

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Comments and Questions

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

Hi I am 24 years old, have always had regular periods. Had my last period about 14 weeks ago,I have done pregnancy tests and they have been negative. I have now come off my pill 5 weeks ago under the doctors instructions but getting worried I still haven't had a period.





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I am 30 yrs of age and started my periods at the age of about 12. and been on time since. but for the past couple of years i have suffered from depersion and panick attacks. and now my table have been cut down by my normal doctor they dont no why i havent had a period in over a year and a half.





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DESPERATE FOR ANSWER: I'm fifteen and started my period around two or three years ago. In the last year particularly, I have found that on the first day of bleeding, and it usually is gone by the second day, I feel incredibly nausea, get painful constipation and can't concentrate on anything as I constantly feel like I am about to throw up. I only realised the extent of how negative this first day was the other day when I was sitting an exam (luckily it was only a mock). I'd just started that morning,and by lunch time was finding it hard not to have to keep excusing myself to run to the bathroom, even though I've never actually thrown up, it has come very close to heading that way. I went into the exam, which was only 45m, but couldn't concentrate on any of the words. My mind was utterly taken up with this feeling of sickness. I answered maybe seven questions out of twenty five, and even them I'm pretty sure I wasn't thinking about enough to put anything near correct answer. I'd finished as much as I could by 15 minutes in, and just sat there deep breathing and closing my eyes, putting my head down on my hands just wishing the nauseous feeling away. One of the invigilators eventually noticed and came and asked if I was okay, replying 'No I'm feeling very sick' he asked me to leave the exam hall if I was finished, which I was, well as much as I could hope for. My REAL GCSE exam period lasts more than a month so I will definitely be menstruating for at least some of it, and I don't want to fail one or more exams simply because of my period. I've read mint or ginger tea helps but have tried both and no effect on me. Is there any over the counter medication I could take to help? Or anything else than might relieve me of the feeling?





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I was due on my period on the 1st of november, I have not come on but i have been getting the same symptoms e.g Bloated stomach, slight cramps, tiredness. My boyfriend has touched me before but he has washed his hands everytime just incase he touched himself and got any sperm on them. This was to avoid pregnancy if it could happen this way? Im 15 years old by the way, could this be because they wil not be settled into a pattern yet, i have had my period for about 2 years. I have been stressing out about this quite a lot so any advice please!?





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im 25, had a coil fitted for a couple of years but have not had it for just over a year im not on any other contraception, i have been having un protected sex as im trying for a baby however i have been having irregular periods in which i can go for 2/3 months with nothing i have had blood tests done to see if i have a hormone imbalance but they came back normal i have taken pregnancy tests and they have been negative im getting very concerned about it all now please help





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I've just turned 14 and started my period last month and I do alot of sports and I can't insert a tampon into my vagina as it hurts alot and I feel as if as much as I try to push it up, it just wont go up. How do I get it to go up? :(





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Your body might not be ready to have a tampon. As you only have just started a short time ago stick with pads for a while. I started mine 20 months ago and havent thought about it yet. Nadine

hi i have had my implant in for nearly 2 years and i have put on loads of weight what shall i do???





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Hi I am 31 and have come off the pill to give myself a break. I was on it for 5 years and that was over 2 months ago and I have not got my period yet. Is this normal? I have done a pregnancy test and it has come up negative.





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hi i am 15 years old and i started my peiod 4 months ago i think and last month and this month i have cramping as a normal period but then i only get brown discharge should i see a doctor??





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I suffer extreme depression about two weeks before my period and sometimes during. I can get so low I cry constantly, lose my appetite and can spend a week in bed feeling so drained I can't function. I have tried different pills but the side effects make it worse and anti depressants switch off feelings completely including my libido. Is there anything else I can try because I can't take it anymore?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to the physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that can occur in the two weeks before a woman's monthly period. It is also known as premenstrual tension (PMT). Read More »

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