Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Fertility

If you are suffering from PMS, then it will affect your fertility

Premenstrual Syndrome is linked to fertility problems. In fact, PMS is something that many women have accepted as part of life, affecting mood, appetite, energy and sleep patterns as part of the monthly cycle. In Australia, it is estimated that up to 82% of women experience PMS at some time. A frustrating syndrome for women, it is also damaging to relationships, often everyone including partners and children come to dread "that time of the month". Most importantly PMS is linked to fertility problems as it can be associated with female reproductive disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, PCOS, and Cysts. So if you are trying to fall pregnant naturally and are suffering from PMS, it's important to not ignore this symptom.

What causes PMS?

There are numerous studies that clearly link PMS to hormonal imbalances. Basically, PMS is caused by an imbalance in your female reproductive hormones. It takes hold after ovulation and often gets worse just before your period. It's not 'normal' and should be given as much importance as other health complaints.

Firstly, women with PMS have lower levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone, an important neuro-steroid in the human brain that targets brain receptors to reduce anxiety and create calm during times of stress. This contributes to mood changes.

Secondly, mood symptoms are further exacerbated by the elevated levels of estrogen, which stimulate the Central Nervous System, making you ONE FEISTY WOMAN!

Unfortunately the combinations of neurological and hormonal factors that cause PMS are not necessarily well understood.

Psychological		Physical
Depression Irritability and frustration Fatigue Feeling "out of control" Tearfulness Anxiety Forgetfulness Exhaustion Feelings of anger or aggression Panic attacks		Sugar Cravings Increased appetite and binge eating Headaches/migraine Feeling/being bloated Weight gain Tender breasts Abdominal pain Fluid Retention Backache and painful joints Changes in sleep patterns, sex drive Nausea

Some women experience premenstrual symptoms that are so serious that they have damaging effects on their lives at home and at work - it's like becoming another person! If this is happening to you these mood changes may threaten your relationship with your partner, children, friends, employers and work colleagues.