Understanding how premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its symptoms evolve with age is crucial for many women. Coping with these physical and emotional symptoms, which can interfere with daily life, is a common challenge.
While PMS can be frustrating for women in their reproductive years, it’s important to know that some experience more severe symptoms that worsen with age. Health experts link this progression to hormonal changes during the shift into menopause.
If you’re struggling with PMS symptoms that affect your daily life, rest assured that you’re not alone. As a trusted Gold Coast menopause GP, we’ve supported numerous women in Southeast Queensland.
This blog will provide valuable insights into PMS and its symptoms as you age, along with lifestyle changes that can improve your daily routine and offer long-term peace of mind.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Explained
Premenstrual syndrome is a range of physical and emotional symptoms that develop one to two weeks before a woman’s monthly period. These symptoms subside several days after her menstruation.
It’s important to remember that experiencing PMS symptoms is a normal part of a woman’s life. Some girls may experience PMS during their first period in puberty. However, most women develop PMS symptoms when they reach their 20s.
Although some women experience mild manifestations, others experience more severe ones that significantly impact their daily lives. Effective coping mechanisms and strategies can provide long-term relief, assuring you that you’re not alone in this journey.
What Causes PMS?
Experts cannot determine the exact cause of PMS. However, they suspect it stems from hormonal changes during various stages of the menstrual cycle. Shifting oestrogen and progesterone levels, changes in neurotransmitter activity, daily habits, and behaviours may be contributing factors.
The Link Between Perimenopause And PMS: Why Symptoms May Intensify With Age
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to a woman’s final period, with most women entering this phase between the ages of 45 and 55. Similar to the menstrual cycle, perimenopause features hormonal fluctuations that may trigger severe PMS symptoms. Patients experiencing psychological symptoms may experience intense mood swings.
How Hormonal Fluctuations Can Intensify PMS Symptoms
Your menstrual cycle usually lasts 28 to 34 days. Women in their younger reproductive years experience consistent hormonal shifts.
The three menstrual cycle stages include the following:
- Follicular phase: Women in this stage experience high oestrogen and low progesterone levels.
- Ovulation: Luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increase during this stage.
- Luteal phase: This phase is the opposite of the follicular phase. Women experience low oestrogen levels and high progesterone levels, which eventually diminish at the end of the luteal phase.
Unlike rhythmic hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes in perimenopause are unpredictable and irregular. Perimenopausal women experience diminished ovarian hormonal production, disrupting the balance between oestrogen and progesterone. Hence, unpredictable hormonal changes during perimenopause may aggravate PMS symptoms.
Some women are more responsive to hormonal fluctuations linked to the following reproductive stages:
- First period.
- Premenstrual stage.
- Pregnancy.
- Postpartum period.
- Menopause.
Consulting a qualified general practitioner (GP) can help determine your sensitivity to hormonal shifts during your current reproductive stage. He can recommend lifestyle changes that will help improve your quality of life and offer long-term peace of mind. Taking this proactive step can empower you to manage your PMS symptoms successfully.
Typical PMS Symptoms That May Aggravate During Menopause
Some studies suggest that specific PMS symptoms may diminish over time. However, other findings conclude that some symptoms may worsen during the menopausal stage. We will discuss these symptoms in the following sections.
Severe Mood Swings
PMS-related mood swings may exacerbate during menopause, especially among women with heightened sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many women across all age groups struggle with volatile mood swings when they enter perimenopause, experiencing unexplained and sudden anxiety, depression, or irritability. This finding indicates women must cope with psychological PMS symptoms as they get older.
Increased Physical Discomfort
Physical PMS symptoms triggered by shifting hormonal levels may worsen during the menopausal stage.
The typical physical discomforts women experience in this phase include the following:
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Women experience feelings of extreme heat with sweating, flushing, and palpitations.
- Sleep issues: Profuse night sweats may trigger discomfort and sleeping issues at night.
- Joint and muscle discomfort: Diminishing oestrogen levels can lead to joint and muscle discomfort during menopause.
- Breast tenderness: Many menopausal women experience this symptom in their late 40s or early 50s.
- Headaches and migraines: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger or exacerbate headaches and migraines.
- Vaginal dryness: Plummeting oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intimacy.
- Urinary changes: Menopausal women may experience frequent urination and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI).
- Weight changes: Fluctuating hormonal levels can lead to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
- Skin changes: Some menopausal women experience dry or itchy skin.
Sleep Pattern Disruptions
Women experiencing PMS symptoms may sleep more or less during menopause. However, the link between sleep and PMS remains unclear. Although sleep disorders may exacerbate PMS, some findings suggest that PMS may also affect sleep quality. Some women experience sleep issues during perimenopause due to hot flashes and night sweats that cause discomfort at night.
Postmenopausal PMS Symptoms
Menopausal women stop experiencing monthly periods and PMS symptoms. Since PMS occurs because of the menstrual cycle connection, related symptoms occurring after menopause may be an associated health issue, medication, or the adverse effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Managing Severe PMS Symptoms
Women experiencing severe PMS symptoms can manage them successfully as they get older. If you’ve been dealing with them for some time, the following strategies can help you cope and improve your quality of life.
Lifestyle Changes
You can manage PMS symptoms by making the following lifestyle changes:
- Regular exercise: Brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help minimise fatigue and enhance mood. We recommend consulting your general practitioner to determine the most suitable exercise program for your situation.
- Healthy eating: Minimising sugar, salt, alcohol, and caffeine consumption as your menstruation approaches helps stabilise mood, reduce bloating, and relieve PMS symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, which includes lentils, beans, and whole grains, may also help alleviate PMS symptoms.
- Stress management: Engaging in activities such as journaling, meditation, yoga, massage, and getting adequate sleep can help alleviate PMS symptoms.
Clinical Interventions
Your physician may recommend hormonal birth control methods to ease your PMS symptoms. However, please remember that this strategy may not relieve psychological manifestations and may aggravate other symptoms.
Fluid retention often causes PMS-related bloating and soreness. Hence, your doctor may prescribe diuretics to help your body eliminate excess water and sodium, thereby providing long-term relief. Your practitioner may recommend anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications if your psychological symptoms don’t improve over time.
Conclusion
PMS and its symptoms can worsen with age, especially during the perimenopause stage. Hormonal imbalances, increased stress levels, and sleep issues can exacerbate PMS symptoms during this critical life transition.
However, there’s no need to worry. Making the recommended lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, along with the appropriate medical interventions, can help you overcome PMS symptoms, improve your quality of life, and enjoy peace of mind.
Her Medical is the Gold Coast’s trusted provider of personalised women’s medical care. Our highly experienced general practitioners, combined with our unwavering commitment to 100% client satisfaction and safety, ensure a comfortable patient experience every time.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment, receive a personalised, upfront quotation, and discover cost-effective general practitioner services that guarantee long-term results.