A Man’s Guide to a Woman’s PMS
Want to know how to deal with a cranky woman during “that time” of the month? Read this!
Unravelling the mysterious PMS
here are days in the month where a man can get into trouble with his woman, for simply opening his mouth. It can be taxing, we know, but blame it on Premenstrual Syndrome. Commonly referred to as PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Symptom, is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that most women experience a few days prior to menstruation. The emotional and physical symptoms attributed to PMS might vary from one woman to another, but each woman experiences a predictable pattern that occurs consistently during the ten days prior to her period. The symptoms are known to go away either shortly before or after her period starts. During this time of the month, most women are emotionally vulnerable due to heightened hormonal activity. And thus, you might find the woman/women in your life overreacting to seemingly small things, which could potentially strain your relationship.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
Numerous symptoms have been associated with PMS.
The chief complaints relate to emotional symptoms such as increased emotional sensitivity, stress, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings and fatigue.
Additionally, a woman might experience tenderness in her breasts, bloating, constipation, swelling.
During mensuration, the blood-rich lining of the uterus is shed, which would have otherwise provided a home for the fertilised egg. At this time, many women also experience stomach cramps and muscular pain.
PMS is no mysterious ailment! Find out more.
Men! Here’s what you can do
When she is going through such upheavals, it’s best for you to offer support to your wife or significant other, rather than allowing it to affect your relationship. It would be advisable for you to start a calendar, marking “that time” of the month.
Try and be as patient as possible.
Shower your woman with some TLC (tender loving care).
Lend her a hand with household chores (if you’re not doing that already), take her out for a meal and allow her some time to herself.
If and when she has cramps, give her a gentle massage or a hot-water bottle, or check to see if she wishes to see a doctor. (She probably won’t, but it’s nice to be asked.)
You could offer some calcium supplements as they are known to reduce mood swings and are generally good for women, especially over 30.
Aromatherapy can help ease the symptoms of PMS. So light her some scented candles and make the room as pleasant as possible.
Check out these tips for a pain-free period.
PMS and sex
You must note that PMS affects ones libido. Which means some women might be keen on having sex while others might just not feel like it. So it’s best to let her call the shots during this time.
A little heads-up on women’s PMS and menstruation can help men and women get along better and ease the tension that is so common at that time.
Photograph by Kamil Kantarcıoğlu, via sxc.hu
