A syndrome of physical and behavioral symptoms associated with menstruation. Symptoms occur near the end of the menstrual cycle. The cause is unknown, however it is thought to be related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Mood swings, sore breasts, food cravings, weariness, irritability, and sadness are all symptoms. Medications and lifestyle modifications may help to alleviate symptoms.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Include
- Physical changes
- Bloating
- weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal sweeling
- Headaches
- clumsiness
- constipation or diarrhea
- Swelling of hands and or feet
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
Behavioral changes
A woman could experience some or all of the behavioural changes listed below:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Tension
- mood swings
- Inability to concentrate
- Increased or decreased sex drive.
Cause of PMS is unknown
- Conditions is found only in menstruating women, so research is being done to see if the cause is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone.
- Symptoms usually disappear by the second or third day of menstruation
Treatment of PMS
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce Caffeine intake
- Drug therapy
- Diuretics : reduce swelling and weight gain
- anti — inflammatory : reduce pain from cramping
- Artificial hormones (progesterone): can eliminate PMS in some women
- Exercise
- Release of natural chemicals in the brain can relieve cramping nad relieve some behavioral symptoms.
