"What is Premenstrual Syndrome? Be Aware of These 11 Unusual Symptoms During Your Menstrual Cycle"

Menstrual Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Menstrual syndrome refers to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea that occur during or around menstruation. It is common among unmarried and non-pregnant women. Beyond abdominal pain, some women may experience "strange illnesses," which are manifestations of menstrual syndrome. Let's explore what these manifestations are and see if you might be experiencing menstrual syndrome.

Manifestations of Menstrual Syndrome

Some women exhibit abnormal phenomena before or during menstruation, a condition medically known as "premenstrual tension syndrome." It primarily affects middle-aged and young women, often without causing lasting harm. Symptoms tend to alleviate or disappear after menstruation. However, it can negatively impact family life, even leading to emotional distress and affecting family harmony. Menstruation is a natural process for mature women, generally without discomfort. Yet, a few women may experience additional "strange illnesses" beyond common reactions like irritability, insomnia, edema, abdominal pain, and backache.

1. Menstrual Rash

Two to three days before menstruation, skin itching, herpes, erythema, or purpura may appear. These rashes typically occur on the face, chest, back, and limbs. They do not resolve spontaneously with the end of menstruation. For severe rashes and itching that disrupt sleep, antihistamines like cyproheptadine or chlorpheniramine can be administered.

2. Premenstrual Toothache

One to two weeks before menstruation, consuming cold foods or drinks can immediately trigger severe toothache, which stops upon cessation. This is because menstrual hormonal changes cause dilation and congestion of dental pulp and periodontal mucous membrane vessels, leading to pain upon cold stimulation. This is not a dental disease and requires no specific dental treatment.

3. Menstrual Headache

Modern medical research confirms that hormonal imbalances of estrogen and progesterone during menstruation are the root cause of menstrual headaches. Oral administration of ergotamine caffeine, oryzanol, or traditional pain relievers can be effective.

4. Menstrual Herpes on the Lips

This is related to reduced immunity and reactivation of latent herpes viruses during menstruation. It usually occurs one to two days before and two to three days after menstruation, primarily on the lips but also on eyelids, nostrils, and labia. It can be treated with mulberry juice; avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections.

5. Premenstrual Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion during menstruation is due to physiological connections between nasal mucosa and female reproductive organs. Hormonal changes can cause nasal mucous membrane congestion, swelling, and secretion, leading to congestion. Nasal decongestants can be used three to five times daily.

6. Menstrual Hemoptysis

Some women may experience hemoptysis three to four days before or during menstruation, resolving spontaneously after menstruation. Modern research attributes this to significant hormonal changes causing tracheal blood vessel congestion and increased permeability. Treatment involves progesterone injections under medical guidance.

7. Menstrual Meniere's Disease

Common in middle-aged women, this condition manifests as sudden dizziness, tinnitus, visual rotation, nausea, and vomiting during menstruation. Bed rest is usually sufficient; severe cases may require sedatives and mild diuretics.

8. Menstrual Arrhythmia

Premenstrual arrhythmias include premature contractions, tachycardia, bradycardia, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Adequate rest and moderate sedation are recommended.

9. Menstrual Abdominal Pain

During menstruation, uterine lining shedding and contractions cause lower abdominal pain, commonly known as dysmenorrhea. While not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable for many women.

10. Menstrual Breast Tenderness

Like the uterine lining, the breasts undergo cyclical changes during menstruation. Breast expansion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and edema can cause a sense of oppression.

11. Menstrual Frequent Urination

During menstruation, women may experience increased urinary frequency. Despite this, drinking plenty of hot water during menstruation is still recommended.