Differences between PMS and Pregnancy (PMS or Pregnancy)
PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome and pregnancy share many of the same symptoms, however the physical causes of these symptoms are different. When pregnancy is suspected, it is advisable to see a physician for diagnosis. Because of the many commonalities between PMS and early pregnancy, an examination is necessary to determine if the symptoms are a result of the menstrual cycle, a pregnancy or other conditions that may require medical treatment.
What is PMS?
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is a set of symptoms that will usually begin approximately one week prior to a woman’s menstrual period. These conditions often continue into the first two or three days of her period. It is believed that low serotonin levels may be responsible for some of the PMS symptoms that many women experience. It is important to note, however, that not all menstruating women suffer from PMS.
Serotonin is a hormone produced by the amino acid tryptophan, and acts as a neuro-transmitter to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and some cognitive functions. When serotonin levels are low, moods may be lowered. This hormone has also been associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disruptions and changes in appetite. It can also affect learning, memory and concentration.
Also included among the over 100 complaints symptomatic of PMS related to hormonal changes are headaches, migraines, soreness of the breasts, back aches, weight gain and water retention or bloating. The presence of these symptoms may vary from month to month. Not all women who suffer from PMS will experience the entire array of symptoms on a regular basis.
PMS or Pregnancy?
Signs and Symptoms of Early Pregnancy
The most commonly recognized sign of pregnancy is one or more missed periods. Because there are several reasons that a menstrual cycle does not occur, it is important to see a doctor who can diagnose the reason for a late or missed period.
Nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as morning sickness, is symptomatic of the early stages of gestation in an estimated 50% to 80% of pregnant women. Breast soreness, tenderness of the nipples and increased urination are also common signs of pregnancy, as are fatigue, unpredictable mood swings and headaches. It appears that a rapid increase in HCG, the pregnancy hormone, may be responsible for many of the complaints of women in the early stages of pregnancy. Other symptoms may include an aversion to certain foods or smells.
Conclusion
The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy are often very similar to those of premenstrual syndrome. While PMS is typically an ongoing set of symptoms that women must contend with on a monthly basis, it is caused by processes happening in the body that are very different than those that occur during gestation. Pregnancy is a condition that necessitates professional, pre-natal care to ensure the safe delivery of the infant as well as the health and welfare of the mother. A clinical diagnosis is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms and to plot a course for further care and treatment.