Premenstrual Syndrome

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition experienced by many menstruating women, characterized by a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that typically recur in a predictable pattern before the start of menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but factors such as hormonal fluctuations and chemical changes in the brain may contribute to the condition. Treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage the symptoms of PMS.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide range of symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. It is estimated that about three out of every four menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern, but their severity can vary from mild to intense. Common emotional and behavioral symptoms include tension or anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, and mood swings. Physical symptoms may include breast tenderness, acne flare-ups, constipation or diarrhea, alcohol intolerance, and changes in appetite. If the signs and symptoms of PMS are affecting your health and daily activities, it's best to consult with your doctor.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you haven't been able to manage your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with lifestyle changes and the symptoms are affecting your health and daily activities, you should see your doctor.

Diagnosis

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is typically diagnosed based on a woman's predictable premenstrual pattern. No unique physical findings or lab tests can positively diagnose PMS. However, your healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other conditions that can mimic PMS, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disorders, or mood disorders. To help establish a premenstrual pattern, you should record your signs and symptoms on a calendar or in a diary for at least two menstrual cycles, noting the day you first notice PMS symptoms and when they disappear, as well as the start and end dates of your period.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may include depression, anxiety, and stress. Severe PMS can lead to a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. It is important to consult a doctor if PMS symptoms are affecting one's health and daily activities.

Prevention

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period. While there is no definitive way to prevent PMS, there are several strategies that may help alleviate symptoms or reduce their severity:

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help regulate hormones and reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
2. Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate PMS symptoms like bloating and cramps.
3. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, as lack of sleep can exacerbate PMS symptoms. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help improve sleep quality.
4. Manage stress: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy, can help minimize the impact of stress on PMS symptoms.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can help reduce bloating and flush out toxins from the body.
6. Consider natural remedies: Some women find relief from PMS symptoms through the use of natural remedies, such as supplements containing magnesium, vitamin B6, or calcium, or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. It's important to note that these strategies may not prevent PMS altogether, but they can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Additionally, if PMS symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Home Remedies

Here are some home remedies suggested for premenstrual syndrome (PMS):

1. Perform Kegel exercises regularly. These exercises can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
2. Practice pelvic floor exercises.
3. Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods.
4. Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence.
5. Don't smoke, or seek help to quit if you're a smoker.
6. Take any prescribed medications as directed.
7. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
8. Get regular exercise.
9. Avoid or limit alcohol.
10. Don't use illegal drugs.

Treatment

There are various treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some of the options include:

1. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate cramps and other physical symptoms. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help regulate hormones and improve mood.
2. Hormone therapy: Birth control pills or hormone therapy may help reduce the severity and frequency of PMS symptoms by regulating hormone levels.
3. Dietary changes: Eating a balanced diet, avoiding salt, caffeine, and processed foods, and consuming complex carbohydrates and lean proteins can help alleviate some PMS symptoms.
4. Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve mood, reduce stress, and alleviate some physical symptoms of PMS.
5. Relaxation techniques: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, can help manage anxiety and mood swings associated with PMS.
6. Sleep: Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help improve mood and reduce fatigue.
7. Counseling: Talking to a mental health professional or counselor can help identify and address underlying emotional issues that may contribute to PMS symptoms. It's essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), you should:

1. Make a list of your symptoms: Write down all your symptoms, even those that may seem unrelated to PMS, to share with your doctor.
2. Gather your medical information: Compile a list of any other conditions you have, medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking, and bring it to your appointment.
3. Prepare questions: Write down a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as:
   • Is there anything I can do to minimize PMS symptoms?
   • Will my PMS symptoms eventually go away on their own?
   • Could the symptoms that I'm experiencing indicate a more serious medical condition?
   • Do you recommend treatment for PMS symptoms? What treatments are available?
   • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
   • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
4. Bring a support person: If possible, bring a family member or friend to help you process the information provided during the appointment.
5. Take notes: Bring a notebook or electronic device to jot down important information and details discussed during your appointment. Remember to be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns. This will help them provide the best possible care and treatment for your PMS.