To know if it is PMS or stress, it is important to note what stage of the menstrual cycle the woman is in. The symptoms of PMS happen in the 2 weeks before menstruation, they may become more intense, but they do not appear in the woman who takes contraceptives.
Stress, on the other hand, is constant, and is more associated with situations that cause anxiety, such as overwork, loss of a job or low self-esteem.
How to differentiate PMS and stress
PMS and stress can happen at any age, and in addition, they can make each other worse, making women increasingly anxious and irritable. To be able to identify, women must be aware of some differences, such as:
| Differences | TPM | Stress |
| Period | Symptoms appear 14 days earlier and worsen as menstruation approaches. | Constant and present symptoms on most days. |
| What makes it worse |
Period of adolescence and close to menopause. |
Anxiety and worry situations. |
| Physical Symptoms |
- Sore breasts; - Swelling; - Muscle cramps; - Pain in the uterus; - Desire for food risks in sugar; - Severe headache, usually migraine. |
- tiredness; - Muscle tension, especially in the shoulders and back; - Sweat; - tremors; - Constant headache, worse at the end of the day. |
| Emotional Symptoms |
- Most frequent mood swings; - Melancholy and easy crying; - Somnolence; - Irritability and explosive reactions. |
- Difficulty concentrating; - Restlessness; - Insomnia; - Impatience and aggressiveness. |
To help identify these differences, a tip is to write down what you feel in a notebook with dates and menstrual period. In this way, it is possible to observe the most frequent symptoms, and differentiate if they are constant symptoms or that appear before menstruation.
In addition, as these 2 situations can exist together, and the symptoms can be confused, it is important to consult with a general practitioner, gynecologist or psychiatrist, who will help to identify the problem, according to the clinical history and the symptoms presented..
How to treat PMS symptoms and stress
To reduce the chances of triggering PMS symptoms and relieve stress, it is advisable to invest in daily moments of joy and relaxation. It can be in a healthy and fun conversation with a friend, a meditation class, watching a comedy or doing any other activity that gives pleasure.
When symptoms are very intense, medications prescribed by the doctor can help with relief, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics. Natural ways to prevent and treat these symptoms are to practice physical activity, as it helps to relax, relieve tension and decrease physical symptoms, in addition to the use of natural tranquilizers, through capsules or teas, such as chamomile or valerian. Check out other forms of natural treatments.
See in the following video, how to reduce anxiety and stress through food:
