Serious Conditions That Are Often Mistaken For PMS

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS describes a variety of symptoms that occur a week or so before the onset of a woman’s period. Many women have tender breasts, become moody or irritable, and experience bloating and a number of other symptoms to some degree. Any symptom of PMS can vary from mild to severe and women may think they are all normal. This is not necessarily true because there are some serious conditions that are often mistaken for PMS.

Don’t Assume

Just because you have had extremely painful cramps or always want to cry or scream for the two weeks before your period, don’t assume that’s normal. In fact, it may not be. PMS should not interfere with your personal or professional life. If it does, it may be time to visit Dr. Leslie Kardos for some guidance.

Severe Pain Could Be Endometriosis

If you have severe cramping and pain during your period every month, it could be due to a condition known as endometriosis. This is often mistaken for PMS.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue which should be inside the uterus called endometrium grows outside of the uterus or near other organs. This not only causes severe pain and bleeding during your menstrual cycle, but it also can lead to painful intercourse. In addition, it may cause nausea and painful cramps prior to your period.

Severe Bleeding And Pain Could Be Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus or on the wall of the uterus. Many fibroids are asymptomatic, but if they grow too large, they can cause a number of concerning symptoms.

Fibroids can cause the following unpleasant symptoms:

• Excessive bleeding each month during the menstrual cycle
• Passing of large clots
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the lower abdomen

Zits Before Periods Could Be PCOS

Many women break out before their period, but PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome could be at work. The syndrome is a hormonal imbalance which leads to acne, hair growth on the face and hair loss on the head. Not a good combination for a woman. Talk with Dr. Leslie Kardos if you notice these changes.

Severe Mood Changes Can Be More Than Normal PMS

If your mood changes before your period are extreme, and you become depressed easily, this could be a more severe form of PMS known as PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

These symptoms include difficulty sleeping and eating, and not being productive at work. With this disorder, normal PMS symptoms and anxiety become much worse prior to your period, but they will usually diminish during the cycle. If these symptoms interfere with your life, discuss with your doctor.

If they become the norm, it could be depression.

Don’t suffer in silence with severe symptoms of what you think is PMS. Contact Dr. Leslie Kardos at (415) 426-7859 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation to discuss what you are experiencing.