PMS Resource
Center
Premenstrual
Syndrome
article syndicated from NWHIC
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
What are the symptoms of PMS?
How common is PMS?
What treatment is available for PMS?
What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)?
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms
related to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur
in the week or two weeks before your period (menstruation
or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away
after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your
normal activities at home, school, or work. Menopause, when monthly periods
stop, brings an end to PMS.
The causes of PMS are not yet clear. Some women may
be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels
during the menstrual cycle. Stress does not seem to
cause PMS, but may make it worse. PMS can affect menstruating
women of any age.
PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms.
Diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms,
when they occur, and how much they affect your life.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
PMS
often includes both physical and emotional symptoms.
Common symptoms are:
breast swelling and tenderness
-
fatigue and
trouble sleeping
-
upset
stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
-
headache
-
appetite changes or food cravings
-
joint or muscle pain
-
tension, irritability, mood swings,
or crying spells
-
anxiety
or depression
-
trouble concentrating or remembering.
Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think
you have PMS, try keeping track of your symptoms for
several menstrual cycles. You can use a calendar to
note which symptoms you are having on which days of
your cycle, and how bad the symptoms are. If you seek
medical care for your PMS, having this kind of record
is helpful.
How common is PMS?
Estimates of the percentage of women affected by PMS
vary widely. According to the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, up to 40 percent of menstruating
women report some symptoms of PMS. Most of these women
have symptoms that are fairly mild and do not need
treatment. Some women (perhaps five to ten percent
of menstruating women) have a more severe form of PMS.
What treatment is available for PMS?
Many
treatments have been tried for easing the symptoms of
PMS. However, no treatment has been found that works
for everyone. A combination of lifestyle changes and
other treatment may be needed. If your PMS is not so
bad that you need medical help, a healthier lifestyle
may help you feel better and cope with symptoms.
Adopt a healthier way of life. Exercise
regularly, get enough sleep, choose healthy foods,
don't smoke, and find ways to manage stress in
your life.
-
Try avoiding excess salt, sugary
foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially when you
are having PMS symptoms.
-
Be sure that you are getting enough
vitamins and minerals. Take a multivitamin every
day that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid.
A calcium supplement with vitamin D can help keep
bones strong and may help with PMS symptoms.
-
In more severe cases, drugs such
as diuretics, ibuprofen, birth control pills, or
antidepressants may be used.
Although
PMS does not seem to be related to abnormal hormone
levels, some women respond to hormonal treatment.
For example, one approach has been to use drugs such
as birth control pills to stop ovulation from
occurring. There is evidence that a brain chemical, serotonin,
plays a role in severe forms of PMS. Antidepressants that
alter serotonin in the body have been shown to help
many women with severe PMS.
What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)?
PMDD is a severe, disabling form of PMS. In PMDD,
the main symptoms are mood disorders such as depression,
anxiety, tension, and persistent anger or irritability.
These severe symptoms lead to problems with relationships
and carrying out normal activities. Women with PMDD
usually also have physical symptoms, such as headache,
joint and muscle pain, lack of energy, bloating and
breast tenderness. According to the American Psychiatric
Association, a woman must have at least five of the
typical symptoms to be diagnosed with PMDD. The symptoms
must occur during the two weeks before her period and
go away when bleeding begins.
Research has shown that antidepressants called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help
many women with PMDD. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved two such medications to date for
treatment of PMDD - sertraline (Zoloft)
and fluoxetine (Sarafem).
This
FAQ has been reviewed by Victoria Hendrick, M.D.
of the University of California, Los Angeles July
2002
article
syndicated from National
Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC):
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pms.htm
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