Mindfulness practices help reduce PMS symptoms

A wide range of severe recurrent symptoms that occur several days to two weeks before your menstrual cycle can be described as Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It affects almost 75 per cent of women in their childbearing years.

The most common mood-related symptoms of PMS include irritability, depression, oversensitivity and mood swings. PMS is also seen to trigger muscle tension leading to cramps.  PMS when coupled with high stress levels can play havoc with your personal and professional life.

According to research, PMS appears to be caused by the fluctuating levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones influence the neurotransmitter serotonin, the lack of which leads to mood disorders. It’s still unclear as to why only some women develop PMS, while the rest are spared. Researchers suspect the high level of sensitivity of certain women to changes in hormone levels makes them prone to PMS.

Some suffer insomnia as a PMS symptom. Mindfulness can increase the production of the sleep inducing hormone, melatonin. Mindfulness has also been found to reduce stress associated with PMS.

A study by Fadel Zeidan, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, USA, published in 2011, found out that meditators reported less pain after meditation sessions.  

Regular mindfulness practice can go a long way in easing the discomfort associated with PMS and make you tide over the days.