PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AND ITS IMPACT ON DIVING
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of psychophysiological symptoms that affect many women during the latter part of their menstrual cycle, just before the onset of menstrual flow. Although PMS can vary in intensity and type of symptoms, it is estimated that between 25% and 50% of women of reproductive age experience some form of this syndrome.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS symptoms can include a variety of physical and emotional manifestations, such as:
Mood Swings and Irritability: Hormonal fluctuations can cause emotional instability, leading to abrupt mood changes and increased irritability.
Decreased Mental Sharpness: Women may experience difficulties with concentration and decision-making.
Tension and Fatigue: Generalized feelings of tension and an increase in fatigue are common.
Depression: Some women may feel sadness or discouragement.
Headaches and Abdominal Bloating: These physical symptoms are frequent and can be uncomfortable.
Breast Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and pain in the breasts are common complaints during this period.
Joint Pain and Food Cravings: Joint pain and increased cravings for certain foods can also be part of the symptomatic picture.
Severe premenstrual syndrome can exacerbate preexisting emotional disorders. While progesterone is sometimes used as a treatment, there is no universally effective and consistent treatment for all cases.
Consequences of Premenstrual Syndrome on Diving
Research suggests that diving-related accidents are more frequent among women experiencing PMS. Despite this, there is no solid scientific evidence that PMS increases susceptibility to decompression sickness (DCS) or specific diving accidents.
However, due to the potentially debilitating symptoms of PMS, it is recommended that women divers adopt a conservative approach during this period. It is prudent to plan dives that minimize risk and physical exertion and to be aware of changes in their physical and emotional state.
Assessment of Fitness for Diving
For women experiencing severe symptoms of depression or antisocial tendencies, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of their physical and psychological fitness for diving. These factors can pose a risk both to the affected individual and their diving companions.
In summary, while PMS can influence the diving experience, the lack of concrete evidence of increased risk of decompression sickness suggests that the key lies in self-assessment and caution. Women divers who experience severe symptoms should consider an adapted approach and possibly seek medical advice to ensure their safety underwater.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of psychophysiological symptoms that affect many women during the latter part of their menstrual cycle, just before the onset of menstrual flow. Although PMS can vary in intensity and type of symptoms, it is estimated that between 25% and 50% of women of reproductive age experience some form of this syndrome.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS symptoms can include a variety of physical and emotional manifestations, such as:
Mood Swings and Irritability: Hormonal fluctuations can cause emotional instability, leading to abrupt mood changes and increased irritability.
Decreased Mental Sharpness: Women may experience difficulties with concentration and decision-making.
Tension and Fatigue: Generalized feelings of tension and an increase in fatigue are common.
Depression: Some women may feel sadness or discouragement.
Headaches and Abdominal Bloating: These physical symptoms are frequent and can be uncomfortable.
Breast Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and pain in the breasts are common complaints during this period.
Joint Pain and Food Cravings: Joint pain and increased cravings for certain foods can also be part of the symptomatic picture.
Severe premenstrual syndrome can exacerbate preexisting emotional disorders. While progesterone is sometimes used as a treatment, there is no universally effective and consistent treatment for all cases.
Consequences of Premenstrual Syndrome on Diving
Research suggests that diving-related accidents are more frequent among women experiencing PMS. Despite this, there is no solid scientific evidence that PMS increases susceptibility to decompression sickness (DCS) or specific diving accidents.
However, due to the potentially debilitating symptoms of PMS, it is recommended that women divers adopt a conservative approach during this period. It is prudent to plan dives that minimize risk and physical exertion and to be aware of changes in their physical and emotional state.
Assessment of Fitness for Diving
For women experiencing severe symptoms of depression or antisocial tendencies, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of their physical and psychological fitness for diving. These factors can pose a risk both to the affected individual and their diving companions.
In summary, while PMS can influence the diving experience, the lack of concrete evidence of increased risk of decompression sickness suggests that the key lies in self-assessment and caution. Women divers who experience severe symptoms should consider an adapted approach and possibly seek medical advice to ensure their safety underwater.