Premenstrual Syndrome

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Condition

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle that can be severe enough to interfere with some aspects of life. PMS is very common. Estimates vary, but surveys have found that between 40 percent and 85 percent of women who menstruate report having some PMS symptoms.

Symptoms can be both physical and emotional and can range from mild to disabling. They can be severe enough to affect your quality of life, your relationships with family and friends, and your performance at school and work. They usually begin 10 to 14 days before your period and subside once your period starts. They go away for good once you stop having periods.

PMS symptoms may include any or all of the following:

  • depression
  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • trouble concentrating and remembering
  • aches and pains in joints and muscles
  • appetite changes and food cravings
  • crying spells
  • social withdrawal
  • breast tenderness and swelling
  • abdominal bloating
  • headache
  • swelling of hands and feet.
  • fatigue.

Causes

The cause of PMS is not well understood. However, it seems to be related to female hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and are thought to affect brain chemicals that influence mood.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Call 911 or Your Doctor Right Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • You have suicidal feelings or the desire to harm yourself or someone else in any way.

Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If

  • You feel you need prescription medicine because your home care treatment is not helping you. Prescription medication may include drugs to:
  • relieve swelling and help get rid of excess fluid
  • help treat depression and anxiety
  • help you sleep
  • stop you from ovulating.

Surgery to relieve symptoms of PMS, such as removing both ovaries, is permanent. It should only be considered in the most extreme cases and after all other therapy has failed.

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

  1. Get plenty of rest and sleep.
  2. Eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.
  3. Take a multivitamin and additional dietary supplements (such as calcium, magnesium and B6) daily. Talk to your doctor about which ones and how much you should take.
  4. Get regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, cycling and aerobics.
  5. Decrease or eliminate salt in your diet.
  6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They can make PMS symptoms worse.
  7. Try to reduce your stress level. Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
  8. Take ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for headache, breast tenderness or joint pains. Taking aspirin may increase menstrual bleeding.
  9. Consider joining a PMS support group.
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For More Information Click on the Links Below

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG Practice Bulletin; Premenstrual Syndrome, Number 15, April 2000.

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Disclaimer:

Peer-Reviewed by the Faculty of the University of Colorado Denver Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional