Premenstrual syndrome isn't an aphrodisiac, to say the least. Symptoms like bloating, cramps, fatigue and depression hardly arouse sexual desire. So it seems like a cruel joke that when you're in a sexiness slump, sex is one of the PMS remedies you need.

What is PMS?

About 85 percent of women experience at least one premenstrual symptom every month, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For most women PMS symptoms are mild, however about 20 to 30 percent of them suffer from moderate to severe symptoms.

PMS symptoms can be emotional, physical or psychological. Emotional symptoms include anxiety, depressed mood, irritability, and restlessness. Common physical symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, fatigue and joint pains. Some women may also experience psychological signs of PMS such as forgetfulness, lack of concentration and food cravings.

Women most likely to suffer from PMS symptoms are between ages 20 and 40, have one child or more, a history of mood disorder or a family member with depression.

Health professionals aren't sure what causes premenstrual syndrome, but the likely cause is the fluctuation of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen may affect feel-good hormones endorphins and serotonin, contributing to depression, irritability and anger.

How Does PMS Affect Sex?

PMS symptoms - such as painful or tender breasts, bloating, abdominal pain and fatigue - can leave you feeling undesirable and zap your desire for sex. It's also well-known that a depressed mood or depression can decrease sex drive, as can irritability and anxiety.

Few studies so far have investigated how PMS affect sex. One study assessed how PMS affects relationship satisfaction. Researchers asked 26 women with PMS and 26 without PMS to fill out three questionnaires. Women with PMS reported significantly more dissatisfaction with their marital and sexual relationships.

Ironically, while sex may be the last thing on your mind, it may help relieve PMS symptoms. Sexual activity stimulates the production of oxytocin and loads of feel-good endorphins that lower sensations to pain caused by premenstrual syndrome. Also, orgasms release the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, which improves cognition and acts as an antidepressant.

PMS and Sex: More Ways to Get in the Mood

Even if you're not up for it, sex can be a natural - and pleasurable way to relieve PMS symptoms. But it's no miracle cure. You'll still need more support to feel better, and keep your sex life and relationship on track.

Your doctor may recommend antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, natural PMS remedies include yoga, exercise, and herbs such as black cohosh, chasteberry, dandelion and evening primrose oil.

Journal Name: The Nurse Practitioner Vol. 16(5):34, 37-40, 45

Study Date: 1991

Study Name: Dispelling myths: a study of PMS and relationship satisfaction

Website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2062473

Authors: E. J. Winter, D. J. Ashton, D. L. Moore