(PMS; Premenstrual Tension Syndrome)
Definition
Definition
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder marked by physical and emotional symptoms. It affects women 1-2 weeks before the beginning of their menstrual period.
The Menstrual FlowCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
While the exact cause is not known, PMS may be related to certain factors (environmental, metabolic, or behavioral) that may make a woman more vulnerable to the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
PMS most often occurs in women aged 25-40 years. Other factors that may increase your chance of PMS include:
- Going off birth control pills
- Major life stress
- Depression
Symptoms
Symptoms
PMS may cause:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diminished self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Appetite changes, such as sugar and/or salt cravings, or overeating
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Headache
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Muscle pain
Symptoms usually improve when bleeding starts (menstrual period).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done.
You will be asked to keep a detailed record of your monthly physical and emotional symptoms. If caused by PMS, these symptoms will likely occur 1-2 weeks before your menstrual period. You may have PMS if symptoms occur at the same phase of the menstrual cycle each month.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment options include:
Stress Management
Stress may be managed through lifestyle changes. Relaxation techniques, deep breathing, massage, music, and hot baths can also help reduce stress.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes may be helpful. Your doctor may recommend that you decrease your intake of salt, sugar, and caffeine. Eating small, frequent meals may also help.
Vitamins and Minerals
The following vitamin and mineral supplements might reduce PMS symptoms:
- Vitamin E may reduce breast tenderness
- Calcium may decrease bloating, depression, and aches
- Magnesium may decrease pain, fluid retention, and improve mood
- Manganese may help control symptoms of menstrual pain
Talk to your doctor before you take any supplements.
Regular Exercise
Exercising throughout the week may help to reduce your symptoms.
Medications
Medications to treat PMS include:
- Diuretics to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
- Pain relievers to relieve cramps, headaches, and muscle aches
- Birth control pills to reduce physical symptoms
- Antidepressants to reduce emotional symptoms
Psychotherapy
Women with severe PMS symptoms may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy may reduce negative emotions and enhance problem-solving skills in relationships. It may also manage obstacles, frustrations, and discomfort.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting PMS, take the following steps:
- Manage stress
- Eat a healthy diet, one that is low in saturated fat, and rich in whole grains and fruits and vegetables
- Consume less refined sugar, salt, and caffeine
- Do regular aerobic exercise
RESOURCES:
Office on Women’s Health http://www.womenshealth.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://sogc.org/publications-resources/patient-fact-sheets
References:
Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 8, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Office on Women’s Health website. Available at:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html
Updated July 16, 2012. Accessed September 25, 2014.
4/14/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Brown J, Shaughn O’Brien PM, Marjoribanks J, Wyatt K. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD001396.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013