That women are fickle and moody has been one of the most prevalent comments made by males. Relax. The comment is far from being sexist or discriminating. It is, in fact, based on a grain of truth: If you are a woman, you tend to change, especially when your menstrual cycle is about to commence.

The combo of signs and symptoms that make you a weepy damsel, a pouncing tigress or a depressed sissy is what medical practitioners collectively refer to as the “premenstrual syndrome” or PMS. This page discusses four types of PMS women (like you) may be experiencing.

• Anxiety Type. This type includes anxiety attacks, insomnia and irritability. Do not be surprised if you find yourself more prone to violent reactions and quarrels on even the smallest remarks or the pettiest issues. If you do not get enough sleep, your temper also tends to run a bit shorter than usual.

If you think you are a regular to this type of premenstrual syndrome, caution and explain to your partner, child and friends during your better days not to take your bites that seriously. You may want to take a few days off and spend the time alone, before you unintentionally wound the feelings of your loved ones. Put off any decision making assignments until you get your level-headed self back.

• Craving Type. Quite harmless to the people around you, this type puts you in the mood for a pig-out. You will find yourself craving for either sweets or salts, so that resisting the temptation to indulge in foods is difficult to do. The results of excessive sweet or salt intake include palpitations, fatigue and headaches.

To remedy the situation, do not solely rely on good-old self-discipline and will power. Take a proactive stance by stuffing your cupboard and refrigerator with healthy finds. Lightly salted biscuits, graham crackers and artificially sweetened beverages should help satiate your cravings, without causing a toll on your body.

• Depression Type. This type transforms you to a lethargic, forgetful and weepy damsel in distress. You may be on the lookout for scapegoats, but oftentimes the tears just fall and you could be weeping your heart out inconsolably.

To avoid entertaining thoughts of trying out suicide or ending a long-term relationship, steer clear from “me” times. Instead, keep yourself in the supportive company of friends. Have them organize a sleepover and treat yourselves to a marathon of humorous DVD flicks.

• Hyperhydration Type. When you are craving for water instead of sweets, the result could be hyperhydration. In this type of premenstrual syndrome, you experience an uncontrollable urge to drink liquids (and also a corresponding propensity to urinate). Your body then experiences a temporary weight spurt that can even exceed 2.2 pounds. Your stomach will feel bloated; your breasts will swell and grow tender; your face, fingers, toes and other extremities could go chubby. Do not be alarmed with the symptoms, however, as these are temporary and will disappear at Day 1 or at the conclusion of your menstruation.