Web Analytics Made Easy - Statcounter
Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms and Conditions

[HOME PAGE] [STORES] [CLASSICISTRANIERI.COM] [FOTO] [YOUTUBE CHANNEL]


Premenstrual syndrome - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Premenstrual syndrome

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Premenstrual bloating
Premenstrual bloating
Relieving PMS
Relieving PMS

Alternative Names    Return to top

PMS

Definition    Return to top

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter.

See also: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Causes    Return to top

An exact cause of PMS has not been identified. However, it may be related to social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors.

PMS is estimated to affect up to 75% of women during their childbearing years.

It occurs more often in women:

The symptoms typically get worse in the late 30s and 40s as a woman approachs the transition to menopause.

As many as 50-60% of women with severe PMS have an underlying psychiatric disorder (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Symptoms    Return to top

A wide range of physical or emotional symptoms have been associated with PMS. By definition, symptoms are considered to be PMS-related if they occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 days or more after the first day of the menstrual period) and are absent for about 7 days after a menstrual period ends (during the first half of the menstrual cycle).

The most common symptoms include:

Other symptoms include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

There are no physical examination findings or lab tests specific to the diagnosis of PMS. It is important that a complete history, physical examination (including pelvic exam), and in some instances a psychiatric evaluation be conducted to rule out other potential causes for symptoms that may be attributed to PMS.

A symptom calendar can help women identify the most troublesome symptoms and to confirm the diagnosis of PMS.

Treatment    Return to top

Exercise and diet changes can help relieve symptoms. It is also important to maintain a daily diary or log to record the type of symptoms you have, how severe they are, and how long they last. You should keep this "symptom diary" for at least 3 months. It will help your doctor make an accurate PMS diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Nutritional supplements may be recommended. Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium are commonly used.

Your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet and avoiding simple sugars, caffeine, and alcohol. Regular aerobic exercise throughout the month helps reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed if you have significant pain, including headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness.

Birth control pills may decrease or increase PMS symptoms.

In severe cases, antidepressants may be helpful. The first options are usually antidepressants known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Cognitive behavioral therapy may be an alternative to antidepressants.

Patients who have severe anxiety are sometimes given anti-anxiety drugs.

Diuretics may help women with severe fluid retention, which causes bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain.

Bromocriptine, danazol, and tamoxifen are drugs that are occasionally used for relieving breast pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most women who receive treatment for specific symptoms related to PMS have significant relief.

Possible Complications    Return to top

PMS symptoms may become severe enough to prevent women from maintaining normal function.

Women with depression may note increasing severity of symptoms during the second half of their cycle and may require associated medication adjustments. The suicide rate in women with depression is significantly higher during the latter half of the menstrual cycle.

See also premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if PMS does not go away with self-treatment measures, or if symptoms occur that are severe enough to limit your ability to function.

Prevention    Return to top

Some of the lifestyles changes often recommended for the treatment of PMS may actually be useful in preventing symptoms from developing or getting worse.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet (with increased whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and decreased or no salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine) may prove beneficial.

The body may have different sleep requirements at different times during a woman's menstrual cycle, so it is important to get adequate rest.

References    Return to top

Lentz GM. Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Etiology, Diagnosis, Management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap. 36

Yonkers KA, O'Brien PM. Premenstrual syndrome. Lancet. 2008:371 (9619): 1200-10.

Update Date: 5/26/2008

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


EDIZIONI DI PUBBLICO DOMINIO (HTML)

- La Sacra Bibbia

- Alighieri - La Divina Commedia

RISORSE DAL WEB:

Encyclopaedia Britannica 1911 - PDF

Project Gutenberg: DVD-ROM 2007

Standard E-books

Wikipedia for Schools - ENGLISH

Wikipedia for Schools - FRENCH

Wikipedia for Schools - SPANISH

Wikipedia for Schools - PORTUGUESE

Wikipedia HTML - CATALAN