Pregnancy or PMS: The confusion

Pregnancy or PMS?

Last Updated November 3rd, 2022

Yes. Feeling irritated, nauseated, or bloated are some of the common signs in early pregnancy as well as PMS. The symptoms gradually disappear once your period starts. If the symptoms remain and you miss your period, consult a doctor and get a pregnancy test done.
Infrequent abdominal cramps are common during early pregnancy as the uterus grows. If the pain is intense and persists, you must consult the doctor immediately.
During early pregnancy or days before the period, your body goes through some hormonal changes. During this period, it is natural to experience some mood swings.

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a series of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. The symptoms include muscle cramps, a rise in body temperature, irrational food cravings, and mood swings which are as troublesome as early pregnancy. So, there is a tendency to get confused between the two. At the same time, there are also unique differences between the two conditions. The easiest way to confirm whether you are pregnant or not is through a pregnancy test by using home test kits that are easily available in all pharmacies. It has been estimated that around 85% of women go through at least one PMS symptom in their menstrual cycle. While no exact causes behind PMS have been found yet, it is assumed that the change in hormonal levels coupled with certain external factors results in the symptoms. It has also been observed that some health problems like asthma, allergies, and migraines can get worse during a menstrual period.

The confusion between PMS and pregnancy is more common when the periods do not happen in time and are irregular. Some of the most common symptoms that are related to PMS are listed below.

Physical signs:

Emotional signs:

  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety or tension
  • Rapid mood swings
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Sleeplessness
  • Overwhelmed feelings

Behavioral signs:

  • Loss of mental focus
  • Forgetting things
  • Less sexual desire
  • Feelings of loneliness and paranoia
  • Lowering of self-esteem and confidence

What is PMS?

PMS symptomsThere are theories that suggest that the changes in sex steroid production result in the symptoms even though the details are not clear. Other theories suggest a preovulatory peak in oestradiol level or a postovulatory increase in progesterone level as a trigger for the symptoms. The roles of progesterone and oestrogen in PMS are still a subject of research. PMS is a complex condition and research regarding the same has indicated the following facts.

  • Women with PMS are hypersensitive to the hormones (progesterone and oestrogen) during their menstrual cycle.
  • Certain brain chemicals like neurotransmitters serotonin and gamma butyric acid, play a role in PMS.
  • The symptoms do not occur during pregnancy or after menopause.

Apart from the hormonal and chemical factors some other factors that contribute to PMS are listed below.

  • Stress.
  • Overall psychological state.
  • Poor physical health or certain diseases.
  • It has been noted that overweight women with a BMI higher than 30 are three times more likely to be affected by PMS than those with a normal weight.
  • Smokers are more likely to have severe PMS symptoms than non-smokers.
  • Genetics or family history.
  • The cultural and social environment often affect the symptoms.

Around 3 to 8 percent of menstruating women suffer from seriously incapacitating PMS, which is often termed premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD can have a serious effect on the overall health of a woman and can restrict her from leading a normal life. PMS does not have any specific diagnostic tests, as the hormonal levels do not undergo a drastic change in that phase. The diagnosis is done through the study of medical history and a description of the symptoms. The doctors often recommend keeping a written record of the symptoms related to the menstrual cycle that can help in the process of diagnosis. In case the symptoms do not resolve after menstruation and there is no pregnancy, there can be other causes that may need a deeper investigation.

Management of PMS

There are no specific treatments for PMS but it can be managed through some steps and lifestyle changes. Some of these are listed below.

Lifestyle changes

These changes include exercising regularly so that the increased level of endorphins can counter the symptoms. Other steps include decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake and stopping smoking. Taking the right steps to get enough sleep and reduce stress is also important. This includes practicing meditation, sports, mindfulness, walking, or gardening.

Dietary modifications

It is common to crave high-fat and high-sugar food items during PMS and these can include items like chocolate, biscuits, pastries, and ice cream. Remedies include eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Reducing the intake of salty food items, staying hydrated, and consuming more fruits and green vegetables is also an effective step. Choosing healthy snacks over processed food items and reducing dairy consumption are also needed.

Using supplements and hormone treatments

The doctor can prescribe some medications depending on the symptoms and these can include mood stabilizers and antidepressants. There are also treatments involving oral contraceptive pills and using specific agents that suppress ovulation. Many women also seek help from cognitive behavior therapy and complementary therapies. It is best to consult the doctor before opting for such therapies.

What makes PMS and pregnancy similar?

Pregnancy or PMS?The following symptoms are common between the two states making it difficult to differentiate one from the other.

  • Mood changes are a common factor between early pregnancy and the days leading up to a period. There may be symptoms like irritability, sadness, getting anxious, or crying spells. For PMS, the symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation but in the case of pregnancy, the symptoms persist and the period is missed. Around 10 percent of pregnant women in the world experience a mental health condition including depression. If the symptoms continue for more than two weeks, it is best to consult a doctor.
  • Headaches and migraines which are often accompanied by back pain are common both during pregnancy and before the periods.
  • The hormonal changes and specifically the changes in progesterone levels can affect bowel movement and lead to constipation. This can happen in the second half of the menstrual cycle as well as in the first two trimesters of pregnancy. The condition can affect up to 38 percent of the pregnant woman and when it is related to PMS, relief can be experienced once menstruation starts.
  • Tenderness and pain in the breasts are also common problems related to PMS and early pregnancy. This can include breast soreness, pain, heaviness swelling, sensitivity, and enlargement. The symptoms can vary between patients and in the case of PMS, this is most significant just before the onset of the menstrual period. For pregnant women, such symptoms can begin within 1 or 2 weeks after conception and can continue through pregnancy.
  • The experience of fatigue is another common point and when it happens during the periods, it is linked with the hormone progesterone. For women who suffer from iron deficiency or anemia, fatigue can last throughout menstruation. In the case of pregnancy, fatigue is most common during the first trimester. However, some women may feel tired for the full 9 months along with other symptoms like difficulty in sleeping and frequent night-time urination.
  • Cramping is also a common symptom in both PMS and pregnancy. In the case of pregnancy, the cramps generally occur in the lower part of the abdomen. This is related to the implantation of the foetus and the stretching of the uterus. When it is a case of pregnancy, such cramps can continue for weeks.
  • Changes in appetite are also a common factor for both cases. While it is a common symptom of pregnancy, the cravings for sweet or fatty foods are also related to PMS. Some women crave specific foods and often have aversions to the sight and smell of others. However, such aversion is uncommon during PMS. In some exceptional cases, some pregnant women can crave non-food items like ice or dirt. This is a condition called pica that needs medical intervention.

Differences based on the symptoms

PMS and pregnancyWhile the symptoms may be common, there are small differences between them that can help in differentiating PMS from pregnancy.

  • When it comes to PMS, there will be no bleeding or spotting until the start of the period. In the case of pregnancy, there can be some light spotting as a result of implantation during which the embryo gets attached to the uterus. This generally happens 10 to 14 days after conception and can last for a few days.
  • There is a difference in the way a woman experiences fatigue between the two conditions. In the case of PMS, fatigue can be felt even without any strenuous activity and it goes away with the onset of the periods. When the periods are delayed and there is a sense of extreme fatigue, pregnancy can be the cause. Such fatigue is caused by a drop in blood pressure and sugar levels as a result of an increase in progesterone levels.
  • When it comes to food cravings, PMS can lead to a high appetite and cravings for sweets, carbohydrates, or salty foods. In the case of pregnancy, there can be extreme cravings for some food and a noticeable aversion for some others

It is essential to know the exact reason that is causing the symptoms so that you can opt for the right care and treatment. So, taking a home pregnancy test can be a very good option.

The unique features of pregnancy

There are some features that are specific for pregnancy and will not appear with PMS. These are outlined below for reference.

  • A missed period can be a positive sign of pregnancy and a pregnancy test can confirm that. However, there are some other scenarios that can result in a missed period. These include mental stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, low body weight, thyroid-related issues, diabetes, birth control pills, and menopause.
  • Nausea and vomiting are related to pregnancy and are not symptoms of PMS. They are signs of early pregnancy and nausea can affect up to 80 percent of pregnant women. For most women, these symptoms subside after the second trimester of pregnancy.
  • Due to the changes in the oestrogen levels during pregnancy, the size of the areola or the overall nipple can expand. The darkening of the areola can happen within 1 to 2 weeks of conception and progress with pregnancy. Such changes rarely happen during PMS.
  • For pregnant women, the basal body temperature can rise slightly ranging between 0.5 to 1.5 degrees. This can continue for around 18 days or more during the period of ovulation and continues to remain high during pregnancy. In the case of PMS, the temperatures do rise but drop back to normal once the menstrual period begins.
  • In case a woman has conceived, there is a distinct change in the cervical mucus that becomes white, thin, and milky. Before periods, the vaginal discharge is transparent without any white tinge.
  • Many pregnant women experience shortness of breath as the embryo needs more oxygen for development. This does not happen during PMS.

The bottom line

As there are many similarities between the symptoms, close observation of the symptoms is needed to come to the right conclusion. Both these conditions are interlinked but are completely different in their own ways. For any woman without prior experience of pregnancy, distinguishing between the symptoms can be difficult at times. The psychological symptoms of PMS vary and may lead to anxiety and depression. Hence, an accurate diagnosis is necessary. The International Society for Premenstrual Disorders recommends that only after reviewing the data recorded for two consecutive menstrual cycles, a diagnosis can be confirmed. It is to be noted that PMS is a normal phenomenon and a few changes in lifestyle can help in overcoming the effects. When there is such an extreme scenario, it is necessary to consult a doctor who can suggest appropriate medications. Pregnancy involves a different series of hormonal changes and symptoms that prepare the body for the growth of the foetus. So, preparing for it needs a completely different set of rules, lifestyle changes, and care. It is important that you track your symptoms to help in obtaining the correct diagnosis and the right treatment.

 

Yes. Feeling irritated, nauseated, or bloated are some of the common signs in early pregnancy as well as PMS. The symptoms gradually disappear once your period starts. If the symptoms remain and you miss your period, consult a doctor and get a pregnancy test done.
Infrequent abdominal cramps are common during early pregnancy as the uterus grows. If the pain is intense and persists, you must consult the doctor immediately.
During early pregnancy or days before the period, your body goes through some hormonal changes. During this period, it is natural to experience some mood swings.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Take high-calcium foods.
  • Eat small and frequent meals.
  • Include fruits, a lot of vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Don'ts
  • Skip breakfasts.
  • Drink caffeine.
  • Take alcohol.

 

 

 

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Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
dandelion weight loss
Caralluma Fimbriata: How to eat this cactus to lose weight Caralluma fimbriata is a miracle cactus that can be safely consumed by most for losing weight and boosting…
eating disorder anorexia
Eating Disorders: Lifestyle choice or a psychological condition? Is eating disorder just a harmless bad habit? Or does it represent grim psychological disorders? Do you want…
apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in lipid metabolism.
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Heart diseases patient
Heart Valve Surgery A heart valve surgery is a procedure to replace or repair the diseased heart valves. The most commonly…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You can now use…
Oxidative Stress: Understanding the most lethal phenomenon happening in your body right now Free radicals cause damage to the body, which is known as oxidation.  The amount of oxidation caused by…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Anhedonia: Does the chronic inability to feel joy affect you too? How often do you feel dragged down by an invisible force? Do you feel an inexplicable emotional numbness…
biopsy procedure
Biopsy Biopsy is a procedure of studying a live tissue sample collected from a specific organ for diagnosing a…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body and it plays…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
General adaptation syndrome: Understanding stress, one step at a time The struggle of the body to produce hormones during a stressful situation is the main theme of general…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
APL IgM Test
Antiphospholipid Antibody(APL)-IgM test The antiphospholipid antibodies are specific protein in the body directed against the phospholipids. It is used to detect…
alcohol toxic
7 startling facts that will make you quit alcohol today Does drinking really make you friendly and happy? How many calories does a can of cold beer add…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
Blood Disorders cancer
Immunotherapy immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's immune system to identify the cancer cells and fight cancer.
Lung cancer xray
Lobectomy Lobectomy is a surgery where a lobe of the diseased lung is removed. It is mainly done to…
heartfail_2
Open Heart Surgery An open heart surgery is a major procedure performed to treat heart diseases like congenital heart problem, heart…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow down aging and…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…
lipoprotein A
Lipoprotein (A) Test Lipoprotein (A) test is used to measure and monitor the levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream in…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk of cancer, and…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
anti ds dna test
Anti Ds-DNA antibody Test The  Anti Ds-DNA antibody test is used to diagnose the disease called lupus or more aptly the SLE(Systematic…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The levels of CA…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to visualize the structures inside your chest. It…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
HSV-1_IGG
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody & stays in the blood…
What is Qigong and how can it help you channelize you inner “Qi”? Qigong is an integrated way of performing a traditional exercise regimen that can help in promoting health, mental…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
6 arguments in favour of glucosamine and where can you find it Studies have shown that glucosamine works by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints. This is usually…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin production thus treating…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
Milk Thistle skin
Milk Thistle: Find possible cures for fatal diseases in these purple blooms Milk thistle is well-known for treating liver conditions. However, did you know that it comes with a plethora…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…
Hibiscus: Nourish your beauty and health with these vibrant blooms Hibiscus is a trumpet shaped flower found abundantly in tropical countries. It has been historically used for its…
Erythritol: A healthy sugar substitute or yet another marketing ploy? Erythritol is a popular choice of a healthy alternative sweetening agent in foods. But how healthy can a…
Trisodium Phosphate: How a paint thinner made its way into your breakfast Ever thought how toxic chemicals find their way into our foods? How can they harm our body? And…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
Alp enzyme-test
ALP test – Alkaline Phosphate ALP or alkaline phosphate is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver and gallbladder. ALP test measures the…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…

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