by Arfa Masihuddin

Science and medicine may have made laudable advancements in making healthcare better (for
the affording) but there’s a glaring full stop when it comes to the premenstrual syndrome,
infamously known as PMS.

For most women, the thought of their next menses can be frustratingly frightening. Nobody likes
dealing with unexplained anxiety, abdominal cramps, headaches, body aches, bloating,
diarrhoea, vomiting, even hypotension that can lead to fainting, clumsiness, and irresistible
carbohydrate cravings. Not having the energy or the will to go on managing the daily tasks of life

be it studies, a stressful job, a house, or even a simple hobby like playing a sport – leaves you
emotionally and physically exhausted, anxious, and if faced with lack of a supportive
environment, can even lead to depression.

Since there is no pill to cure the myriad of problems that come with this syndrome, the only other
alternative is to manage it with a healthy lifestyle aimed at minimising the stressors.

A little reassurance and an empathetic ear can work wonders in making one feel comfortable. By not acknowledging the gravity of her situation or by callously shrugging it off, not only are we taking away the trust that they show in us by reaching out to us, but we also aggravate the problem. So acknowledge, listen, and reassure her. Rearranging schedules to reduce the stress could be a feasible option. An improved diet, regular exercise, and meditation also help – cut down on the saturated fats, take a Panadol for a headache, keep yourself hydrated in case of diarrhoea to prevent an electrolyte imbalance that could further upset the body’s normal functioning, and take plenty of sleep if you can. There’s no good sense in exhausting yourself when your body is shooting daggers at you, threatening to shut down any moment. Be kind to yourself, ladies.

Like most problems plaguing the female lives, PMS is highly under-rated. Every woman’s body is different and no two women experience it the same way. The only way to help another female friend is by showing kindness, by cooperating with them on their bad days and help make even the little things easier. Remember, what goes around, comes around.

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