Conditions A-Z - Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Most women experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle. For some women, the symptoms are significant, but of short duration and not disabling. Other women, however, may have one or more of a broad range of symptoms that temporarily disturb normal functioning. These symptoms may last from a few hours to many days. The types and intensity of symptoms vary in individuals. This group of symptoms is referred to as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Although the symptoms usually cease with onset of the menstrual period, in some women, symptoms may last through and after their periods.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

The following are the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

mood alteration and psychological effects irritability nervousness lack of control agitation anger insomnia difficulty in concentrating lethargy depression severe fatigue anxiety fluid retention edema periodic weight gain oliguria (diminished urine formation) breast fullness and pain respiratory problems allergies infections eye complaints visual disturbances conjunctivitis	gastrointestinal symptoms bloating constipation nausea vomiting changes in appetite pelvic heaviness or pressure backache skin problems acne neurodermatitis (skin inflammation with itching) aggravation of other skin disorders neurologic and vascular symptoms headache vertigo syncope (fainting) numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity of arms and/or legs easy bruising heart palpitations

mood alteration and psychological effects

irritability
nervousness
lack of control
agitation
anger
insomnia
difficulty in concentrating
lethargy
depression
severe fatigue
anxiety

fluid retention

edema
periodic weight gain
oliguria (diminished urine formation)
breast fullness and pain

respiratory problems

allergies
infections

eye complaints

visual disturbances
conjunctivitis

gastrointestinal symptoms

bloating
constipation
nausea
vomiting
changes in appetite
pelvic heaviness or pressure
backache

skin problems

acne
neurodermatitis (skin inflammation with itching)
aggravation of other skin disorders

neurologic and vascular symptoms

headache
vertigo
syncope (fainting)
numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity of arms and/or legs
easy bruising
heart palpitations

What causes PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome seems to be related to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. The following has been suggested as possible causes of PMS:

estrogen-progesterone imbalance
hyperprolactinemia (excessive secretion of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast development)
excessive aldosterone, or ADH (hormone that functions in the regulation of the metabolism of sodium, chloride, and potassium)
carbohydrate metabolism changes
retention of sodium and water by the kidneys
hypoglycemia (low blood-glucose)
allergy to progesterone
psychogenic factors

Treatment for PMS:

Specific treatment for PMS will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disorder
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disorder
your opinion or preference

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, counseling with your physician regarding symptoms can increase understanding and lead to activities for stress management. Other possible treatment protocols for managing premenstrual syndrome symptoms may include:

diuretic use prior to the time symptoms are usually noted (to reduce fluid retention)
oral contraceptives
progesterone (hormone treatment)
tranquilizers
changing the diet (to increase protein and decrease sugar and caffeine intake)
vitamin supplements
regular exercise
antidepressant medication

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