Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that start one to two weeks before a period. Most women have at least some symptoms, which go away once the period starts; they can range from mild to severe.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS, with symptoms bad enough to interfere with daily life. It is much less common than PMS.
Causes
Researchers do not know exactly what causes PMS. Changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a part, and may affect some women more than others.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ from person to person, can be physical, emotional or both, and may change over a lifetime.
| Physical | Emotional |
|---|---|
| breast swelling and tenderness | irritability |
| acne | mood swings |
| bloating and weight gain | crying spells |
| headache | depression |
| joint pain and backache | anxiety |
| constipation or diarrhoea | sleeping too much or too little |
| food cravings | trouble concentrating and remembering; less interest in sex |
Diagnosis
See a health care provider if symptoms bother you or affect daily life. There is no single test. The provider will ask about your symptoms — when they happen and how much they affect you — and may run tests to rule out other conditions. To be diagnosed with PMS, symptoms must:
- occur in the five days before your period, for at least three cycles in a row;
- end within four days after your period starts;
- keep you from enjoying or doing some of your normal activities.
Treatment
No one treatment works for everyone.
For milder symptoms:
- over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen, for cramps, headaches, backaches and breast tenderness;
- regular exercise and enough sleep;
- healthy food, and avoiding salt, caffeine, sugar and alcohol in the two weeks before your period.
Some studies suggest calcium and vitamin B6 may help some symptoms. Some women take herbal supplements, but there is not enough evidence that they work; check with your provider before taking any vitamin or supplement.
Prescription medicines, also used for PMDD, if symptoms cannot be managed otherwise:
- hormonal birth control, which may help physical symptoms but can sometimes worsen emotional ones — several types may need to be tried;
- antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for emotional symptoms;
- diuretics ("water pills"), for bloating and breast tenderness;
- anti-anxiety medicine.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Premenstrual Syndrome," drawing on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
1
0
0
0
Comments
