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What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
What are the symptoms of PMS?
How common is PMS?
What treatment is available for PMS?
What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
See also…
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur in the week or two weeks before your period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your normal activities at home, school, or work. Menopause, when monthly periods stop, brings an end to PMS.
The causes of PMS are not yet clear. Some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress does not seem to cause PMS, but may make it worse. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age.
PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms. Diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms, when they occur, and how much they affect your life.
PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms are:
breast swelling and tenderness
fatigue and trouble sleeping
upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
headache
appetite changes or food cravings
joint or muscle pain
tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells
anxiety or depression
trouble concentrating or remembering.
Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think you have PMS, try keeping track of your symptoms for several menstrual cycles. You can use a calendar to note which symptoms you are having on which days of your cycle, and how bad the symptoms are. If you seek medical care for your PMS, having this kind of record is helpful.
Estimates of the percentage of women affected by PMS vary widely. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 40 percent of menstruating women report some symptoms of PMS. Most of these women have symptoms that are fairly mild and do not need treatment. Some women (perhaps five to ten percent of menstruating women) have a more severe form of PMS.
Many treatments have been tried for easing the symptoms of PMS. However, no treatment has been found that works for everyone. A combination of lifestyle changes and other treatment may be needed. If your PMS is not so bad that you need medical help, a healthier lifestyle may help you feel better and cope with symptoms.
Adopt a healthier way of life. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, choose healthy foods, don't smoke, and find ways to manage stress in your life.
Try avoiding excess salt, sugary foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially when you are having PMS symptoms.
Be sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Take a multivitamin every day that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid. A calcium supplement with vitamin D can help keep bones strong and may help with PMS symptoms.
In more severe cases, drugs such as diuretics, ibuprofen, birth control pills, or antidepressants may be used.
Although PMS does not seem to be related to abnormal hormone levels, some women respond to hormonal treatment. For example, one approach has been to use drugs such as birth control pills to stop ovulation from occurring. There is evidence that a brain chemical, serotonin, plays a role in severe forms of PMS. Antidepressants that alter serotonin in the body have been shown to help many women with severe PMS.
PMDD is a severe, disabling form of PMS. In PMDD, the main symptoms are mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, tension, and persistent anger or irritability. These severe symptoms lead to problems with relationships and carrying out normal activities. Women with PMDD usually also have physical symptoms, such as headache, joint and muscle pain, lack of energy, bloating and breast tenderness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a woman must have at least five of the typical symptoms to be diagnosed with PMDD. The symptoms must occur during the two weeks before her period and go away when bleeding begins.
Research has shown that antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help many women with PMDD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two such medications to date for treatment of PMDD - sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Sarafem).
To learn more about premenstrual syndrome, contact the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:
National Institute of Mental Health
Phone Number(s): (301) 443-4513
Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number(s): (202) 863-2518
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/
American Psychiatric Association
Phone Number(s): (202) 682-6000
Internet Address: http://www.psych.org/
The Hormone Foundation
Phone Number(s): (800) 467-6663
Internet Address: http://www.hormone.org/
All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the sources is appreciated.
This FAQ has been reviewed by Victoria Hendrick, M.D. of the
University of California, Los Angeles
July 2002
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