When it comes to PMS, we usually look at it as a hellish prequel to our period. The Bad Guy. In my case, PMS is that annoying relative who visits unannounced every month, asking personal questions like why I’ve lost or gained those few kilos and simultaneously reminding me that my biological clock is ticking. I know what you’re thinking… WHAT? Is that even a thing? Is there a single positive menstrual syndrome? 

PMS is literally that – a (not so) friendly and harmless (ok, who am I kidding?) reminder that our bodies are literally creating internal havoc. But just for argument’s sake, I want to focus on some of the pluses. 

And actually, yes. There is. (I know, I was shocked too.)

Let’s break it down. The social constructs of PMS typically emphasize the bad (like I just did), making it hard to recognize a singular good and positive menstrual syndrome that comes before and with menstruation.

Several women have said:

• They feel more creative
• Their sex drive increases 
• Their appetite increases and they actually enjoy their food more
• They feel more emotionally connected to their loved ones and more sensitive to their needs
• Their dreams feel more vivid
• They like that their breasts feel fuller and more swollen 
• Their flexibility increases (it’s a good time to sign up for that yoga class!)

Now that doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

One of the many things women are taught about menstruation is an ingrained belief that premenstrual syndrome is all cramps, mood swings, feeling emotional, acne, bloating, and buckets of tears. That narrative is true, yes, but it’s also a little unfair. 

At the end of the day, PMS is our body’s reaction to fluctuating hormones.

Oestrogen levels fall, progesterone levels rise, and still, with that kind of science involved, it’s so interesting that every woman responds differently during this phase. It’s not a one-size-fits-all experience. So in my mind, it’s not just science… it’s also pretty magical. And if that’s not a positive, I don’t know what is.

Note: This is a personal take on PMS and how it can often affect our body in a positive way. You can read more articles about menstruation, right here.

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