Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Most women are aware of certain undesirable changes in their bodies in the two weeks before their menstrual flow starts. These changes disappear as soon as the menstruation begins.

More than half the women find these symptoms to be just 'uneasy' days of their monthly cycles, but are able to carry out their normal daily routines.

But, nearly forty percent of women experience more severe symptoms affecting their ability to function normally.

Over the years, we have come to recognize this as a treatable medical condition called Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS for short.

A smaller group of women suffer severely disabling symptoms, causing serious disruption in their daily lives. The diagnosis assigned to this group is Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

The following is a list of commonly experienced symptoms:

• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating
• Weight gain
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Crying spells
• Mood swings
• Food cravings
• Headache
• Inability to concentrate
• Fatigue

Diagnosis: Some of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses also. Therefore it is necessary to make a diagnosis. The first step is to maintain a calendar of your symptoms to establish the pattern during the menstrual cycle. We have provided herewith a printable calendar for your use. Please complete and bring it with you if you are seeking care for this condition.

Treatment: Certain life style changes help with many of these symptoms.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals, to avoid fluctuations in your blood sugar.
• Avoid sugar (candies, chocolates), for the same reason.
• Avoid salty foods, to prevent fluid retention and bloating.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
• Exercise (aerobic) daily.
• Avoid stress – adequate sleep and set out time to relax.

Other common remedies that may help include:

• Vitamin supplementation
• Calcium
• Magnesium

It is important not to exceed the recommended doses of these vitamins and minerals.

Some women have also found certain herbal remedies (such as Black Cohosh, red raspberry leaf) to be helpful, although there is no scientific evidence of their effectiveness.

If life style changes and the common remedies do not help, there are other medical treatments available. Common treatments include the following:

• Water Pills or (mild) diuretics for bloating and fluid retention.
• Hormones found in the birth control pill or injectable contraceptives to stabilize the hormone levels.
• Mild antidepressants.
  

These treatments require a medical consultation and ongoing medical supervision.

It is also important to bear in mind that some or all of these symptoms may be due to some other medical condition and only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis.

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