Premenstrual syndrome is the medical name for the tension seen before menstruation among the people. In this process, some hormonal changes occur in the body and the psychology of the person is also affected by this. For those who suffer from this condition, I asked a clinical psychologist who has worked in this area and he happily answered the questions for you.
People who experience this syndrome often have a difficult premenstrual period. Because this syndrome can sometimes cause women to feel depressed and have difficulty in their daily work. Perhaps there are many among our readers who also suffer from this problem. Most of the time, the physiological effects of this syndrome are focused on. psychological effects it is skipped.
Clinical Psychologist Kemale Günhan, whom I consulted on the subject, also has a thesis titled ‘Relationship Satisfaction and Premenstrual Awareness Examining the Relationship between Premenstrual Syndrome’. The thesis is not open for publication, but don’t worry, you will be able to reach our expert from the social media account we have linked at the end of the article and ask about the details you are curious about. Here are Kemale Günhan’s answers…
The changes that women experience 3 to 5 days before the start of menstruation, that is, the menstrual period, are premenstrual experiences.
Clinical Psychologist Kemale Günhan
These changes may be related to the woman’s body, emotions or mental processes. physical changes; symptoms such as edema, swelling of the breasts, increased acne, pain in the joints and muscles. Emotional and mental symptoms include mood swings, forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, and a feeling of fatigue. Studies both in the world and in our country show that 80% of women experience these changes. live without any trouble shows.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), on the other hand, includes the more distressing symptoms of these premenstrual experiences.
For example, while symptoms such as premenstrual appetite, bloating and fatigue are experienced naturally; Women who experience PMS may experience symptoms that are painful enough to reduce efficiency in their daily work. PMS, women’s difficulties in concentrating on their work and school may cause. In addition, withdrawal from the social area (isolation), feeling intense emotions in close relationships, and this can disrupt the relationship of the person with his environment.
PMS symptoms are experienced differently in every woman. Symptoms that occur in at least five forms (according to the fifth edition of the DSM-5) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and that recur many times in a year, may not occur in the same way every month. So it’s like this: In some women While physical symptoms are intense, some women experience emotional fluctuations. is more intense.
Ovulation is essential for the development of premenstrual symptoms.
Although no definitive conclusion has been reached as to what causes PMS, some theories suggest that it is caused by hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals that communicate between neurons). It is thought that estrogen and progesterone, which are ovarian hormones in women, trigger the central nervous system and reveal the picture of PMS. This development of biological origin also contributes to the decrease in serotonin in the female body. mineral and vitamin deficiencies why is this happening.
This syndrome can also lead to unfair labeling of women in society.
For example, if a woman in a romantic relationship has this experience and there is a problem in her relationship, when she wants to talk to the other party to solve that problem, the statements because the woman is in the premenstrual period, unwarranted complaints or intensity of emotion can be evaluated as In addition, this syndrome sometimes causes the woman to ask for leave from her work or school, thus interrupting her performance. This time, it is being discussed whether these permissions are the right of women.
In fact, to give an interesting information; We know that in some countries, the woman involved in an accident or crime is tried by considering whether she is in the PMS period and receives reductions in punishment. In addition, there are studies showing that couples who approach each other with empathy can manage the psychological process created by this syndrome more gently.
In the research I conducted called “Examination of Relationship Satisfaction and Premenstrual Awareness with Premenstrual Syndrome”, It is seen that the severity of the syndrome experienced by women with high satisfaction in the marital relationship is lower. has been observed. In general, it seems that the effect of the syndrome decreases when the social environment naturally meets the physical and mental changes in the individual living in this situation and is open to cooperation. In other words, the relationships of people who experience this situation with their environment are very important.
It is difficult to recognize, explain and evaluate the experiences associated with PMS in societies where talking about sexual identity and sexuality invokes shame.
For example, in Asian and African countries, it has been observed that the symptoms of this syndrome are considered to be natural, and that it is experienced unnoticed, that no complaints or treatment is needed. The problem is that most of the women in our country do not apply to health institutions despite experiencing this. passed on by taking pain medication is seen. In other words, we can say that the psychological aspect of the issue is ignored.
for example PMS management We have a program called In this program, health teams consisting of psychologists, dietitians and gynecologists guide women, so that the severity of the syndrome can be significantly reduced. The woman is asked to do gentle exercises, to stay away from salt, carbohydrates and sugar, and to have positive and supportive relationships with those around her.
In addition, psychologically, it is among the suggestions that the person can express his feelings and thoughts more easily, take time to rest and take time for himself during pain and physical fatigue, and receive support from massage and aromatherapy. If individuals can benefit from these supports and behavioral changes to the extent that their living conditions allow, they will be healthier both psychologically and physically. Thus, they become able to manage this process easily.
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