PMS

Overview

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a syndrome that affects most of the women who menstruate. Symptoms that range from moodiness to actual physical pain start a few days before the monthly periods. Even though it is very predictable, it is difficult to recognize the symptoms of PMS, because they may vary from month to month.

Types

There are five different types of PMS, they are A, B, C, D and H.

• Type A (High estrogen: low progesterone ratio.)
• Type B (High estrogen: progesterone ratio)
• Type C (Fluctuations in blood sugar)
• Type D (Low estrogen: high progesterone ratio)
• Type H (Water balance)

Symptoms

The common symptoms of PMS include:

• Mood Swings
• Short Temper
• Sleep Disturbances
• Changes in Appetite
• Depression
• Anxiety and Tension Without Cause
• Headache
• Back Pain
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Water Retention
• Acne Breakouts
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Digestive Problems
• Swollen
• Tender Breasts

These symptoms depend on the type of premenstrual syndrome. Usually one or few of the symptoms typically reoccur every month. Few women have severe PMS that they may not be able to do their normal functions. This is PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Women with PMDD have severe depression and feel hopeless. They can be very angry or anxious, feel bad about themselves to the degree that they don't want to be around others or take care of normal day to day necessities. Some women with PMDD may also have an underlying psychiatric disorder.

Causes/Risk Factors

It is not really clear why some women have more symptoms and some hardly feel any disturbance or pain. PMS symptoms develop when there are changes in the hormone levels in the blood. Diet can play a part, as salty foods, caffeine and alcohol tend to cause fluid retention, which can worsen PMS. Lack of some vitamins and minerals can make symptoms worse. PMS may be aggravated with increasing age, use of tobacco and allergies. Women with a history of depression or with a family history of PMS may also show more symptoms.

Tests/Diagnosis

There is no one-way to test for PMS. A number of standardized instruments have been developed to describe PMS, including the Calendar of Premenstrual Syndrome Experiences (COPE), the Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Menstruation (PRISM) and the Visual Analogue. Careful tracking of when symptoms appear and disappear in relation to the menstrual cycle is the best way to determine if PMS is the problem.

Treatment

Treatment for PMS symptoms varies by the symptoms and the severity. Taking ibuprofen might be advised for those with breast tenderness or other pain, while some women might need antidepressants to deal with PMS symptoms. Oral contraceptives (the Pill) are also often prescribed to maintain the hormone levels in the body throughout the month. For women with depression, supportive therapy has been found to be useful. Aerobic exercises, adequate sleep and rest, changes in diet and lifestyle and calcium supplements have also been found to reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome.