Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that affect menstruating women in the days or weeks leading to a period. During the menstrual cycle, a woman's body undergoes hormonal shifts that affect not only their physical health but also their mood and emotional well-being. But since pregnancy and childbirth are also a significant milestone in a woman's life, which leads to major hormonal fluctuations, it got us wondering whether PMS symptoms tend to change postpartum. We asked a gynaecologist, and here's what she shared.
Also Read: Pregnancy Signs That Feel Just Like PMS
Can PMS Symptoms Change After Pregnancy?
According to Dr Rashmi Bhamare, Consultant—Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, PMS symptoms can change after having a baby. "Some women notice their symptoms get milder because their hormones adjust after giving birth. When a woman is pregnant, high levels of hormones like progesterone and oestrogen stop periods and PMS symptoms. After having a baby, hormone levels drop a lot, which can lead to changes in periods and PMS symptoms," she explained to the OnlyMyHealth team.
Some women experience lighter periods and less intense PMS symptoms, while others might find their symptoms getting worse. This can happen because of things like changes in the thyroid or changes in the structure of the reproductive system, she added.
Does Breastfeeding Impact PMS Symptoms?
The short answer to whether or not breastfeeding can impact PMS symptoms and menstrual cycles is yes. Dr Bhamare shared that the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation and can delay the resumption of regular menstrual cycles, is produced in greater quantities during breastfeeding.
Because of this, a lot of women might not experience PMS symptoms in the first few months after nursing. However, PMS symptoms could reappear once regular periods resume. The severity of PMS symptoms can also be impacted by the hormonal changes brought on by nursing, such as shifting levels of progesterone and oestrogen.
According to a very old study (1987) published in the journal Clinics in Perinatology, women who breastfeed their babies tend to experience a longer period without menstruation and reduced fertility after childbirth compared to those who do not breastfeed.
Another more recent study (2005) published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that 100% practised exclusive breastfeeding initially, which dropped to 3.9% by six months. Researchers found that menstruation in breastfeeding women returned in 33.8% by six weeks and 70.2% by six months.
When Is It A Good Time To Consult A Doctor?
Post-pregnancy, women should consult a doctor if they experience major changes in their PMS, particularly if the symptoms get worse, persist, or interfere with day-to-day functioning, said Dr Bhamare.
She added that a professional examination is necessary for changes like significant mood swings, acute pain, copious bleeding, or symptoms that resemble those of other disorders, including depression or thyroid problems.
To ensure proper treatment and support, speaking with a healthcare professional can help identify whether hormone imbalances or other underlying issues are causing the changes, the doctor concluded.