Pre Menstrual Syndrome ( PMS )

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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional, physical, and psychological disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation, typically ending with the onset of her menstrual flow. The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness (mastalgia), acne flare-ups, and appetite changes with food cravings.


About 90% of women experience premenstrual symptoms at some point in their lifetime. The true incidence of PMS has often been overestimated by including all women who experience any physical or emotional symptoms prior to menstruation. It is estimated that clinically significant PMS (which is moderate to severe in intensity and affects a woman's functioning) occurs in 20% to 30% of women. It is generally most severe in women in their 4th decade of life. About 3% to 8% of women are believed to have the condition.

Emotional And Behavioral Signs And Symptoms

  • Crying spells
  • Mood swings and irritability or anger
  • Appetite changes and food craving
  • Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
  • Social withdrawal
  • Poor concentration
  • Weight gain related to fluid retention
  • Change in libido
  • Physical signs and symptoms
  • Headache
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Breast tenderness
  • Acne flare-ups
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Alcohol intolerance
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Treatment

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You can’t cure PMS, but you can take steps to ease your symptoms. If you have a mild or moderate form of premenstrual syndrome, the treatment options include:


  • Drinking plenty of fluids to ease abdominal bloating.
  • Eating a balanced diet to improve your overall health and energy level, which means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing your intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Taking supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin B-6, calcium, and magnesium to reduce cramps and mood swings taking vitamin D to reduce symptoms.
  • Sleeping at least eight hours per night to reduce fatigue.
  • Exercising to decrease bloating and improve your mental health.
  • Reducing stress, such as through exercising and reading.
  • Going to cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be effective.
  • You can take pain medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to alleviate muscle aches, headaches, and stomach cramping.
  • You can also try a diuretic to stop bloating and water weight gain.

If you haven't been able to manage your premenstrual syndrome with lifestyle changes and the symptoms of PMS are affecting your health and daily activities, see your doctor.