Ah, the famous PMS! Premenstrual tension, also known as premenstrual syndrome, is a physical and emotional condition characterized by the set of various sensations that affect the physical, emotional and behavior of a woman in a certain period before the onset of menstruation. According to a survey carried out in 2019 by the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that about 70% of women suffer from PMS in Spain - it is worth emphasizing that the symptoms caused by this condition do not affect women equally, they can be felt to different degrees.
Commonly, PMS symptoms begin between five and ten days before the menstrual cycle and disappear at the beginning of it - in some cases, they can last for up to seven days after the onset of bleeding. There are no studies that prove the causes of PMS, but many people believe that it has some kind of connection with the change that the menstrual cycle causes in some hormone and serotonin levels. Rising levels of progesterone and estrogen, for example, can result in anxiety and mood swings; sex steroids also affect the activities of certain parts of the brain that are associated with PMS symptoms, and changes in serotonin levels also affect mood significantly.
Symptoms and effects of PMS on a woman's body
PMS symptoms tend to be mild, but their intensity can vary from woman to woman, as well as from month to month. In some cases, the effects do not significantly affect routine life, but in others they can promote a complicated period. Some women, especially younger ones, experience pain, such as cramping during PMS - it is important to note that PMS symptoms can be more intense if the woman is stressed or close to menopause!
Check out some effects of TPM:
- Abdominal pain;
- Sore and swollen breasts;
- Acne;
- Abdominal swelling;
- Excessive desire to eat sweets;
- Headache;
- Irritability;
- Anxiety;
- Fatigue;
- Changes in sleep pattern;
- Depression;
- Sadness;
- Excessive emotional sensitivity;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
- Heat waves;
- Tingling in hands and feet;
- Back pain.
PMS and the Sacred Feminine
As you already know, the menstrual period affects women's mood, but there are some very unique changes that occur in each week of this cycle that can be very beneficial for women. The weeks of the menstrual cycle are matched by the phases of the Moon, but unfortunately, few women have a greater connection with the lunar rhythms. The menstrual cycle is a period when a woman is in tune with Mother Earth, as she carries in her womb all the moons, the lunar cycles, the power of rebirth and death. Emotions and the body undergo changes as the Moon moves around the Earth.
In the traditions of antiquity, the menstrual period was considered as the “sacred time of the woman”, in which she rested and collected herself from all her tasks to be renewed. During her cycle, menstrual blood is to the body what water is to the earth, which makes a woman a great symbol of fertility, abundance and nourishment.
Briefly understand how the weeks of the menstrual cycle relate to the lunar phases:
First week of the cycle – New Moon
At this point the cycle begins, along with the progressive relief of mood. Just as the Moon retires in this phase, it is important that the woman also rests, especially in the first two days of menstruation.
Second week of the cycle – Crescent Moon
As the lunar energy becomes more evident, the body begins to become more alert and pain tolerant. Therefore, it is indicated that any procedure that involves a certain discomfort, such as waxing, for example, be done this week - but in relation to the use of medicines, the woman's body becomes more sensitive. Even in this period, sexual desire increases!
Third week of the cycle – Full Moon
This is when ovulation happens! Here mood and sexual desire are on the rise, just as the Moon is bright in the sky. At that moment the woman's convictions are firmer and it is possible to make decisions more easily.
Fourth week of the cycle – Waning Moon
Here the lunar energy wanes and the female body begins to prepare to retreat until the New Moon. It is exactly at this stage that PMS arrives and mood swings are noticed. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid stressful situations or situations that could result in conflicts. The woman becomes more sensitive to pain and may experience several of the symptoms mentioned above.
It is important to note that this division of cycles was made from a 28-day cycle, but it can also be used in cycles of different durations – just divide the time into four parts!
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TPM and learning
PMS precedes the menstrual cycle, which consists of a woman's withdrawal phase. As much as there can be numerous discomforts at this stage, it is exactly at this moment that the woman comes into contact with Mother Nature and highlights her connection with the Universe. The act of withdrawing makes the woman respect her time, her sensations and her feelings. PMS teaches women to respect their own time, to take care of their body and mind.
As in the premenstrual period the woman becomes more sensitive, automatically her intuition arises. PMS is a good time to observe yourself and find emotional and spiritual balance. But, just as it is possible to access good things within her, by delving into her own being, a woman also comes across her inner shadows. It is at this time that self-love must be practiced and the path to forgiveness is expanded – the woman accesses her addictions, fears and all uncomfortable sensations, and has the possibility to evolve.
The Moon has countless energies, and during PMS the Enchantress potentiates the lunar energies and makes them more accessible to the external world. Within this context, female perception becomes more acute, whether in thoughts, emotions, environments, etc. When it comes to Mother Earth, in this phase of tension the woman is nourished and able to express her creative force.
The woman is a source of power, and PMS is a moment of transformation that makes it possible for her to have a greater connection with her spirit and energies.
How to deal with TPM?
The first thing that must be done to deal with PMS in a harmonious way is to understand what it represents and respect your time. Understand that you will feel mood swings, body changes, and still things will be fine! You need to allow yourself to feel what this cycle offers you, face your period of seclusion so that your body and mind are renewed.
The symptoms of PMS can be uncomfortable, but it is possible to adopt very simple measures to alleviate them and even to enjoy this more emotional and sensitive phase. Do you feel like eating candy? Eat, but don't overdo it! Are you irritable and feel the need to be alone? Stay! Do things that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Are you sensitive? cry! Don't blame yourself or cover yourself too much at this point. Take advantage of the lunar energies to benefit your interior!
Meditating, inhaling essential oils in the practice of aromatherapy, wearing comfortable clothes, regulating food, exercising and even doing a meditation guided by mobile apps can alleviate PMS symptoms.
If the effects of this tension are very intense, talk to the people who are part of your socializing. Let them know that you are more susceptible to emotional outbursts or irritability. The premenstrual period is totally YOUR time, and YOU can decide how you will get through it.
When should you see a doctor?
If you can't control PMS with just changes in your routine, make an appointment with a professional in the area - gynecologist or endocrinologist - and report your symptoms. Write down the date of the last time you had your period, the name of the contraceptive you take (if you take it) and the name of the medications you use frequently. In addition, there is a disorder called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which is a more severe variation of PMS and has more intense symptoms, which can affect relationships and work. Seeking medical help is an extremely valid option, which can be of great help in clarifying any doubts and relieving your symptoms.
Now that you already know what it is, how PMS works and what it represents within the Sacred Feminine, respect this moment and escape the demonization that society makes about this feminine phase. The premenstrual and menstrual cycles are important periods in a woman's life and provide many good things for her being. The woman is strong, warrior and is constantly evolving!
