Men’s Guide to Your Woman’s PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome).

Most women who’re still fertile have a very difficult time before menstruation, called PMS. PMS is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in over 80% of women, which begins from between 3 to 14 days prior to menstruation. This adversely affects not only the woman suffering from it, but also the folks she is in communication with. Unfortunately, most men have no clue about this and cannot fathom how an otherwise cool and composed woman can get so much out of control. This leads to a lot of stress in the family and quite often leads to baseless arguments.

Men really need to understand their partner during this difficult time by being a bit more understanding. And I don’t mean “taking extra care of your girl”. If she’s comfortable with a little massage or a hot bath, do it, by all means. Just don’t push too much. If she doesn’t want it, just leave her alone, don’t pester her. It will only irritate her and even alleviate her PMS. Be proactive and not reactive. If she throws a few tantrums, let her throw. Don’t behave like a victim with a devil in the house.

If possible, get her involved in a discussion that she likes to talk about, or an activity that she likes doing and which doesn’t interfere with her condition. Make her feel comfortable. If she prefers to watch TV all the time, let her control the remote control, if you want her to remain in control!

During PMS she will be very unpredictable – she may want to hug you one second and she may even push you away another second! Mood swings are very common, so be prepared to duck if she attacks! What I mean is, although she won’t normally get so physical, the tendency is there so don’t push her into it.

Other common symptoms: Physical symptoms like Headache and migraine, joint pain, abdominal pain and cramps, constipation, backache, and an altered libido is common. Mental symptoms (excluding the ones mentioned earlier) are anxiety, depression, panicky behavior, irritability, tension, lack of energy, and just simple procrastinated attitude.

Remedies: One way to handle PMS is to slightly alter her diet. Make her take six small meals a day if she’s taking 3 big ones. Her diet should be rich in carbohydrates but keep her away from simple sugar; this will maintain her blood sugar as well as reduce energy level fluctuations. Give vitamin supplements if necessary but consult your doctor first. Vitamin E is good if she feels tenderness in her breasts. Tell her to avoid or reduce caffeine, tobacco and liquor at all costs. A little red wine is OK. You may even add a teaspoon of whisky or brandy in a cup of hot tea with lemon juice. Let her stick to moderate exercise – walking, aerobics and some jogging or cycling is enough. A couple of hours in the sun just a few days before her period can have an overall reduction in PMS.

It is also important to monitor what works and what doesn’t. This way, you will continue to improve the situation, bit by bit. Some words that you can and should remember are – patience, compassion, supportive, enlighten, humor (be careful on this), agreeable. Finally, remember, she deserves a break, so give it to her!

If you’re a woman reading this, ask your man to read it too!