Don't Mess! I have PMS

Menstrual cycle refers to the cyclical development and then the shedding of the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus. This cycle has 3 phases, which are menstruation (bleeding), follicular (proliferative)  and luteal (secretory) phase. Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. The length or duration of a woman's cycle will typically vary, from short to long periods. There are some who experiences irregular cycles (less than 8-21 days or more than 21 days).  blah blah blah (just google or bing it for further discussion)


Along with these changes or shifts with phase,  definitely, there are hormonal changes. The number of estrogen and progesterone varies with each phase. 


I have discussed this to understand what is menstrual cycle for us to be able to understand the topic, "PMS".

Premenstrual syndrome refers to the collection of symptoms or sensations women experience as a result of high hormone levels before, and sometimes during, their periods. - http://www.fwhc.org

I have a regular 30-day cycle. It's longer than the usual, but it's still regular in terms of duration (cycle), length and flow of the bleeding. What bothers me is that the PMS that I always experience weeks before the start of my new cycle (Mens or bleeding marks the start of the new cycle). 


Physical Symptoms include fatigue, bloatedness, breast tenderness, acne (alot!) and food cravings. While the emotional or psychological (mood) symptoms that I experience is irritability , or sometimes depression, oversensitivity and moodiness (not mood swings since it is more related to psychologocal d/o)


These feelings are usually relieved with the onset of bleeding. Most likely, it relates to the balance between estrogen and progesterone. Example, if estrogen predominates, anxiety occurs. If there's more progesterone, depression may be a complaint.


I have come across an article regarding PMDD or Premestrual Dysphoric Syndrome--a severe form of PMS. 


I feel that this was discussed to us in our PsychNursing lecture, but i think I didn't listen or slept during the discussion...anyway...


The symptoms are the same as PMS but it's severity interferes with the individual's usual way of life (daily activities). The exact cause of PMDD is still unknown but researchers believe  that it is brought about by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.  There are also other studies that relates certain neurotransmitter, like serotonin (a NT w/c helps transmit nerve signals) . Apparently, PMDD seems to be connected to low levels of serotonin.

Certain brain cells that use serotonin as a messenger are involved in controlling mood, attention, sleep and pain. Therefore, chronic changes in serotonin levels can lead to PMDD symptoms. - WebMD

The symptoms of PMDD can include any of the following:

• Mood swings
• Depressed mood or feelings of hopelessness
• Marked anger, increased interpersonal conflicts
• Tension and anxiety
• Irritability
• Decreased interest in usual activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Change in appetite
• Feeling out of control or overwhelmed
• Sleep problems
• Physical problems, such as bloating

It is diagnosed when a person experiences at least five of the above listed symptoms (at least one of the first four) occur for most of the time during the seven days before menstruation and go away within a few days of the start of the menstrual period. - WebMD


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PMS vs PMDD?


Well what I always feel is only PMS. It doesn't bother me and it doesn't affect my daily activities.


It can't be help since I live with such annoying people, and I can't help not to burst out in anger and annoyance..most of the time :// 

PAINFUL CRAMPS + Lack of Sleep + HEAT = don't even think about it

Psych 102: Don't mess! I have PMS 
A bientot!

Psych 101: Haircut therapy

DSM*-IV and DSM-IV-SR defined compulsion as:

(*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Mental Disorders)

(1) repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly 

(2) the behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive 

I have noticed that I have this "hobby" where in I cut my hair, specifically my hair bangs . It began when I was in my 4th year High School. I have realized this last night when I've watched a movie  (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) where in the protagonist suffers, as described the neuropsychologist, is experiencing compulsion, or repetitive behavior where in this behavior affects her daily life. I'll leave the story and just focus about compulsion. 

Compulsion is one of the major manifestation of an Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Well, I have read from my psych book that "the person feels compelled to continue despite an awareness that the thoughts (obsession) or behaviors (compulsion) may be excessive or inappropriate, and feels distress if they stop them." Obsessions or compulsions causes a marked distress, are time consuming  and it interferes with the person's normal daily routine, work, school and relationships. Well, of course a person to be diagnosed w/ any psychological disorder, should not be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any substance that has a direct psychological effect.

So with these information, I wonder if i have anxiety disorder, specifically OCD. I am a very anxiety-prone person, and often get stressed whenever I am unprepared for something. With the criteria given , luckily I can say that I do not have the disorder (yet, i think).  I don't t think that these hobby/behavior of mine is excessive or unreasonable for it gives me relief after a long-time stress. 

We all have a way to reduce our anxiety, depression...in short problems. It's how we properly deal with it that matters the most. As long as we don't hurt others and ourselves, and it cannot affect our normal routines, it's fine. 

---dahil dyan, I have decided to write again (but not in the near future) other psych d/o I fear that I might have :)))

Here's my photos if FAILED Haircut therapy from the past years (2006, 2008 and 2009 respectively)

(",)