Mood Swings Before Your Period? It Might Be PMS

You become like a different person before your period... That might be PMS

"I suddenly get irritable before my period, and I don't even know why," "Every month there are days when I feel sluggish and don't want to do anything," "I felt unbelievably better once my period started" — If these experiences sound familiar, you may have PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome).

Halu Clinic is located about 1-2 minutes on foot from Jujo Station on the JR Saikyo Line, and is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM, including weekends and holidays. We offer five specialties: internal medicine, dermatology, psychosomatic medicine, orthopedics, and cosmetic dermatology, and many patients visit us from the Akabane, Higashi-Jujo, Oji, and Itabashi areas. Our clinic provides an environment where you can comfortably discuss women's specific health concerns, including PMS. Even if you think, "It's probably not serious enough to go to a gynecologist," please consult us first.

What is PMS?

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) typically begins around 3-10 days before menstruation, and symptoms subside once the period starts. Various physical and psychological symptoms appear due to changes in hormone balance.

Although it is often thought of as "a mental issue" or "something you just have to endure," PMS is a medically recognized condition. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, and many individuals suffer to the extent that it affects their daily life, work, and relationships. By not bearing it alone and receiving appropriate treatment, symptoms can often be controlled.

Main Symptoms of PMS

PMS symptoms are broadly categorized into "mental symptoms" and "physical symptoms." Some individuals may experience only one type, while others may experience a mix of both.

Mental Symptoms

• Irritability or anger without a clear reason
• Feeling down or depressed
• Sudden urge to cry or difficulty controlling emotions
• Increased anxiety and tension
• Difficulty concentrating or increased forgetfulness
• Lack of motivation or not wanting to do anything
• Not wanting to socialize or wanting to withdraw

Physical Symptoms

• Severe sleepiness, fatigue, or easily tired
• Headaches or migraines
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Lower back pain or joint pain
• Skin problems or increased acne
• Sudden increase in appetite or intense cravings for sweets
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dizziness or palpitations

If you experience these symptoms every time before your period, you may have PMS (or PMDD, which will be discussed later).

What's the Difference Between PMS and PMDD?

Among PMS, if the mental symptoms, such as severe depression, intense irritability, and feelings of hopelessness, are particularly strong and significantly disrupt daily life, it is called "PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)."

If you are consistently experiencing a state where "this time of the month is truly difficult, making it hard to focus on work or housework" or "you lash out at family or colleagues and then regret it," it is recommended to seek professional evaluation, including the possibility of PMDD. Appropriate treatment often significantly improves symptoms.

Why do I feel bad before my period?

From ovulation to just before menstruation, the female hormones "estrogen (follicle hormone)" and "progesterone (luteal hormone)" fluctuate significantly. This fluctuation is thought to affect neurotransmitters in the brain (especially serotonin), making it easier to experience mood swings and irritability.

Many people notice that their mood changes at this time every month, but since it's due to hormonal influence, "trying to power through it" won't lead to a fundamental solution. Since it's a physiological process, it's important to address it properly.

How to Check for PMS

"Basal body temperature tracking" and "symptom tracking" are useful for diagnosing PMS/PMDD. Jotting down the following for at least 2-3 cycles will be very helpful when you visit the doctor:

• Date your period started and ended
• Date symptoms started and subsided
• What kind of symptoms appeared (mood, physical)
• Severity of symptoms (recording on a scale of 1-10 is easy to understand)

If the pattern of "symptoms disappear once your period starts" continues for 2-3 cycles, the likelihood of PMS is quite high. If you use a period tracking app on your smartphone, utilize its symptom memo feature.

PMS Treatment and Management

There are several treatment options for PMS, chosen based on the severity of symptoms and lifestyle.

Low-dose Oral Contraceptives (OCs)

This method fundamentally alleviates PMS symptoms by suppressing hormonal fluctuations. It can also be expected to improve menstrual pain and reduce menstrual flow. Although some people associate "the pill" with contraception, it is widely used as a treatment for PMS. We also prescribe it at our clinic.

Herbal Medicines (Kampo)

We prescribe Kampo medicines such as Kamishoyosan, Tokishakuyakusan, and Keishibukuryogan, tailored to your symptom patterns. These are often chosen by those who are resistant to hormone therapy or who wish to improve their overall constitution.

Symptomatic Treatment (Medication to Relieve Symptoms)

If specific symptoms like headaches, lower back pain, or swelling are severe, there are also methods to control symptoms with painkillers or diuretics. For those who experience severe headaches every cycle, taking painkillers early can sometimes provide relief.

Lifestyle Review

Alongside medical treatment, adjusting your daily lifestyle can also lead to symptom improvement.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugary foods (these worsen swelling and mood swings)
• Make light aerobic exercise a habit (walking, stretching, etc.)
• Get enough sleep
• Find ways to manage stress
• Adjust your schedule in advance for days when symptoms are severe

For those who think, "It's probably not serious enough to go to the hospital"

Many people hesitate to seek medical attention for PMS. Many individuals endure it alone for years, thinking, "It's normal to feel bad before your period" or "Maybe I'm just weak." However, if you experience a difficult period every month, it's neither normal nor something you should simply endure.

Even if you perceive your symptoms as "mild," treatment can provide relief. If you are struggling with concerns like "I'm scared of myself before my period" or "I might hurt my family or friends," please consider consulting us once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do birth control pills make you gain weight?
There is almost no medical evidence that currently prescribed low-dose birth control pills cause weight gain. While some people may experience swelling, it is unlikely to be a direct cause of weight gain. Please feel free to consult us if you have any concerns.

Q. Do I have to take birth control pills every day?
Yes, it is essential to take them at the same time every day. Missing a dose can reduce their effectiveness. Using a smartphone alarm can help establish this habit.

Q. My menstrual pain is also severe; can you address that too?
Yes, you can consult us about PMS and menstrual pain together. Depending on your symptoms, other conditions like endometriosis might be present, so please share all your concerns.

Q. Can I be prescribed birth control pills even if I am unmarried or have no sexual experience?
Of course. Marital status or sexual experience is irrelevant. We will prescribe based on your physical condition and preferences.

For PMS consultations in Jujo, Akabane, Higashi-Jujo, and Oji

At Halu Clinic, we prioritize creating an environment where women can comfortably discuss their health concerns, including PMS, PMDD, menstrual pain, and low-dose birth control pill prescriptions. We will listen carefully to your concerns, even if you feel "it's difficult to talk about."

We are open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM, including weekends and holidays, making it a convenient clinic to visit after work or on days off. While you can visit without an appointment, we prioritize those who make a web reservation.

Book Online Here　／　 Access & Clinic Hours　／　 Contact Us via LINE

Halu Clinic｜1F J&MALL, 2-27-1 Kamijujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
TEL: 03-6698-2509 ／ Clinic Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Irregular holidays)