PMS Concentration

PMS Concentration - Ask the Doctor Q & A

Question

One thing that really bothers me about my PMS symptoms, is that they are noticeable, like my husband will say "Oh, you must be about to start your cycle because you're getting so emotional." I don't like that. Also, sometimes I feel like my concentration level is affected and I'm not as sharp. I don't tell my boss about it, but I notice it, and it's very uncomfortable. Is there a way I can keep people from noticing when I have PMS?

~ Sheryl

Answer

Sheryl, one of the frustrating things to hear from women with PMS is when they tell me their symptoms are used against them by relatives, coworkers, and others. If you feel your reactions are "out of kilter" before your period, that is what really counts.

Difficulty concentrating, and even confusion, is actually a common PMS symptom, although the way PMS effects thinking is often ignored or overlooked, even though it can be very important in terms of work and responsibilities. PMS can interfere with proper sleep, and if you're sleep-deprived your concentration will certainly not be up to par. So, you can try to improve your chances of a good night's sleep in the days and weeks before your cycle begins.

As to keeping people from knowing what you're experiencing, I think you would have a lot more success trying to treat the cause of your problems with a natural approach, because I suspect if there were a way to hide your feelings from people, you'd be doing it already.