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What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms linked
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
can affect menstruating women of any age. It is also different
for each woman. PMS may be just a monthly bother or it may
be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the
day. Monthly periods stop during menopause,
bringing an end to PMS.
What causes PMS?
The causes of PMS are not clear. It is linked to the changing
hormones during
the menstrual cycle. Some women may be affected more than
others by changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Stress and emotional problems do not seem to cause PMS, but
they may make it worse.
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:
- acne
- breast swelling and tenderness
- feeling tired
- having trouble sleeping
- upset stomach, bloating, constipation,
or diarrhea
- headache or backache
- appetite changes or food cravings
- joint or muscle pain
- trouble concentrating or remembering
- tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells
- anxiety or depression
Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think you
have PMS, keep track of which symptoms you have and how severe
they are for a few months. You can use a calendar to write
down the symptoms you have each day or you can use a form
to track your symptoms.
How common is PMS?
Estimates of the percentage of women affected by PMS vary
widely. According to the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOG), at least 85 percent of menstruating
women have at least one PMS symptom as part of their monthly
cycle. Most of these women have symptoms that are fairly
mild and do not need treatment. Some women (about three to
eight percent of menstruating women) have a more severe form
of PMS, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). See
the question, "What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?" below
for more information.
PMS occurs more often in women who:
- are between their late 20s and early 40s
- have at least one child
- have a family history of depression
- have a past medical history of either postpartum
depression or a mood disorder
What is the treatment for PMS?
Many things have been tried to ease the symptoms of PMS.
No treatment works for every woman, so you may need to try
different ones to see what works. If your PMS is not so bad
that you need to see a doctor, some lifestyle changes may
help you feel better. Below are some lifestyle changes that
may help ease your symptoms.
- 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 ease some PMS
symptoms.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains.
- Avoid salt, sugary foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially
when you are having PMS symptoms.
- Get enough sleep. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Talk to your friends,
exercise, or write in a journal.
- Don’t smoke.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin,
or naproxen may help ease cramps, headaches, backaches, and
breast tenderness.
In more severe cases of PMS, prescription medicines may
be used to ease symptoms. One approach has been to use drugs
such as birth control pills to stop ovulation from
occurring. Women on the pill report fewer PMS symptoms, such
as cramps and headaches, as well as lighter periods.
What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)?
There is evidence that a brain chemical called serotonin
plays a role in a severe form of PMS, called Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The main symptoms, which can be
disabling, include:
- feelings of sadness or despair, or possibly suicidal
thoughts
- feelings of tension or anxiety
- panic attacks
- mood swings, crying
- lasting irritability or anger that affects other people
- disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- trouble thinking or focusing
- tiredness or low energy
- food cravings or binge eating
- having trouble sleeping
- feeling out of control
- physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness,
headaches, and joint or muscle pain
You must have five or more of these symptoms to be diagnosed
with PMDD. Symptoms occur during the week before your period
and go away after bleeding starts.
Making some lifestyle changes may help ease PMDD symptoms.
See the question, “What is the treatment for PMS?” above
for more information.
Antidepressants called
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that change
serotonin levels in the brain have also been shown to help
some women with PMDD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved three medications for the treatment of PMDD:
- sertraline (Zoloft®)
- fluoxetine (Sarafem®)
- paroxetine HCI (Paxil CR®)
Individual counseling, group counseling, and stress management
may also help relieve symptoms.
To read the rest of this article from WomensHealth.gov,
please click here: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pms.htm
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