Endometrial Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sarita Shrivastva , Oncologists

---

Endometrial cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the endometrium, which is in the inner lining of the uterus. It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system and usually occurs after menopause but younger women can also be affected. The disease develops when the cells in the lining of the uterus grow uncontrollably and form a tumour.

Most women with endometrial cancer notice abnormal vaginal bleeding as the earliest sign, mainly after menopause. Early detection is very important for the successful treatment and long-term survival. According to medical studies, endometrial cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and it is one of the more treatable gynecologic cancers.

Types of Premenstrual Syndrome

There are different types of premenstrual syndrome and they are categorised based on the symptoms a woman experiences. These can be grouped into three main categories:

• Physical PMS: In physical PMS, a woman may experience symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain and changes in discharge.
• Emotional PMS: In this case, a woman may feel mood-related symptoms like depression, irritability, anxiety, anger or emotional sensitivity.
• Mixed PMS: This is a combination of both physical and emotional symptoms and is the most common type of premenstrual syndrome.

---

Premenstrual Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

The signs of premenstrual syndrome can be different for every woman. Some women may notice only mild changes, whereas others may experience multiple symptoms that interfere with their daily work. Symptoms usually appear in the days or weeks before menstruation and improve once the period begins.

Common Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

• Premenstrual syndrome fatigue like persistent tiredness, low energy or difficulty concentrating.
• Premenstrual syndrome headache such as tension headaches or menstrual-related migraines.
• Premenstrual syndrome nausea such as a feeling of queasiness or upset stomach before the period.
• Premenstrual syndrome cramps like abdominal pain, pelvic discomfort or muscle cramps.
• Premenstrual syndrome discharge-like changes in the volume or texture of vaginal discharge.
• Premenstrual syndrome weight gain such as bloating and fluid retention that cause a temporary weight increase.
• Premenstrual syndrome depression like mood swings, irritability, sadness or feelings of low self-worth.

Some PMS symptoms may feel very similar to early pregnancy changes. For example, premenstrual syndrome symptoms or pregnancy can overlap in the form of nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue or mood changes. This often causes confusion and the only way to confirm pregnancy is through a test.

---

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome

The exact causes of premenstrual syndrome are not completely known but experts have found that a combination of biological and lifestyle factors contributes to its development. The causes are as follows:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Some changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.
• Brain chemical changes: Variations in neurotransmitter levels like serotonin can contribute to mood swings, depression or irritability.
• Lifestyle habits: Some modern-day habits like Lack of sleep, chronic stress, smoking, alcohol and poor diet can worsen PMS symptoms.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin B6 may make symptoms more severe.
• Other health conditions: Women who experience conditions like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues can be more susceptible to having PMS symptoms.

---

Complications of Premenstrual Syndrome

Most women experience mild PMS that can be controlled with lifestyle changes but in some cases, symptoms become severe and disruptive. Possible complications of premenstrual syndrome include:

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe types of PMS that causes mood swings, irritability and depression. PMDD can significantly affect a woman's quality of life.
• Chronic depression and anxiety: Women with severe PMS are at higher risk of developing long-term mental health challenges.
• Reduced daily functioning: Intense symptoms may make it difficult to manage work, studies, relationships and personal responsibilities.
• Impact on overall health: Persistent fatigue, headaches or poor diet choices during PMS can increase the risk of other health issues over time.

---

When to See a Doctor

Most women can manage premenstrual syndrome symptoms with home remedies, lifestyle changes or medicines. However, they should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms are severe enough to interfere with work, school, relationships or daily activities.
• Experience extreme mood changes such as severe depression, irritability or thoughts of self-harm.
• Painful cramps, headaches or fatigue do not improve with basic treatments.
• Symptoms suggest Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Unsure whether their symptoms are related to premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy.
• PMS seems to worsen over time or new symptoms appear unexpectedly.

---

Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome

There is no specific test to confirm a premenstrual syndrome diagnosis. Doctors usually rely on a woman's medical history and the pattern of her symptoms. Women may be asked the following things to make an accurate diagnosis

• Track symptoms in a diary for at least two or three menstrual cycles to see if they occur consistently before periods.
• Note the timing and intensity of symptoms such as cramps, fatigue or mood changes.
• Evaluate other conditions like thyroid disorders, depression or chronic fatigue, which may mimic PMS.

---

Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment & Management

Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) required a mix of lifestyle changes, medical treatments and natural remedies. The right approach depends on the type and severity of symptoms a woman is experiencing.

1. Lifestyle and Natural Remedies for Premenstrual Syndrome

Simple daily changes can make a big difference in curing the syndrome. Some of the effective premenstrual syndrome remedies that a woman can include in their daily life are:

• Regular physical exercise to reduce cramps and improve mood.
• Yoga, meditation or breathing exercises for stress relief.
• Warm compress or hot water bag to ease premenstrual syndrome cramps.
• Herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger to soothe bloating and premenstrual syndrome nausea.

2. Premenstrual Syndrome Diet and Nutrition

A healthy premenstrual syndrome diet can help you control both physical and emotional symptoms. You can include the following items in your daily routine diet:

• Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Reduce caffeine, sugar and salty foods to avoid bloating and premenstrual syndrome weight gain.
• Drink sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated to reduce fatigue and headaches.

3. Premenstrual Syndrome Vitamins and Supplements

Specific premenstrual syndrome vitamins and supplements may provide relief:

• Calcium and magnesium: This can reduce cramps, bloating and mood swings.
• Vitamin B6: This can help keep you energetic and help with premenstrual syndrome fatigue.
• Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids: These can improve headaches and breast tenderness.

Always consult a doctor before starting supplements to ensure they are safe and effective.

4. Premenstrual Syndrome Therapies

Non-drug premenstrual syndrome therapies can help manage emotional and behavioural symptoms:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is helpful in tackling depression and anxiety associated with PMS.
• Stress management programs can also help you reduce irritability and mood swings.
• Sleep hygiene practices to improve rest and energy levels.

5. Premenstrual Syndrome Treatments

When PMS symptoms are severe, doctors may recommend medical premenstrual syndrome treatments:

• Pain relievers for cramps and premenstrual syndrome headaches.
• Hormonal treatments such as birth control pills are used to stabilise estrogen and progesterone fluctuations.
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines in cases of PMDD or severe premenstrual syndrome depression.

---

Conclusion

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is common but it does not have to control a woman's life. By following a healthy premenstrual syndrome diet, using recommended therapies and treatments and considering helpful vitamins and supplements, many women can ease their symptoms effectively.

If PMS becomes severe or interferes with daily activities, it is important to consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and the right treatment plan can prevent complications, improve health and help women maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

---