Premenstrual syndrome(PMS)

...................................................................................................................................................................................................

admin | Aug 20, 2010 | 0 comments
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition characterized by a combination of variety of symptoms and signs including mood swings, tenderness of breasts, fatigue, irritability and depression that occur during the days before a woman’s period starts and usually go away after the first day or two of flow. The peak age of premenstrual syndrome is late 20s and early 30s. According to research 3 out of 4 menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome.

What causes the premenstrual syndrome?

The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is still unknown, but most evidence suggests that PMS results from the alterations in or interactions between the levels of sex hormones and brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.

What is the risk factor of premenstrual syndrome?

High caffeine intake
Stress
Increasing age
History of depression
Family history
Dietary factors (Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly magnesium, manganese, and vitamin E)

What are the signs and symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome?

Tension
Anxiety
Depressed mood
Mood swings and irritability
Anger
Depression
Insomnia
Dysmenorrhea
Poor concentration
Headache
Fatigue
Weight gain
Fluid retention
Abdominal bloating
Breast tenderness
Acne
Constipation or diarrhea
Frequent urination

How is Premenstrual syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome only relies on patients history .There are no unique physical findings or laboratory tests to diagnose the premenstrual syndrome.

How to managed premenstrual syndrome?

1.Diet and changes of life style :

Small and frequent meals
Limit salt
Food rich in calcium
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Regular exercise
Enough sleep

2.Medical treatment:

Medical care of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is primarily pharmacological and behavioral, with an emphasis on relief of symptoms, including:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to reduce the pain
Antidepressants including fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline.
Diuretics to reduce the weight gain and swelling which include Spironolactone
Oral contraceptives are used to stop ovulation and stabilized hormone level.
Gonadotropins-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress the ovulation.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) is used in severe PMS to stop the ovulation.

3.Surgical Care:

In women who are severely affected, bilateral oophorectomy has been effective to alleviate symptoms because it renders the patient postmenopausal.

Reference: