Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
A week or two before your period starts, you may notice bloating, headaches, mood swings, or other physical and emotional changes. These monthly symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. About 85% of women experience some degree of PMS. A few have more severe symptoms that disrupt work or personal relationships, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Who Gets PMS?
Any woman who has a period can get PMS, but some women are more likely to have symptoms:
- PMS is more likely in the late 20s to mid-40s.
- Older teens tend to have more severe PMS than younger teens.
- PMS may be more severe in the 40s.
- Women who've had at least one pregnancy are more prone to PMS.
- Women with a history of depression or other mood disorder may have more PMS symptoms.
What Causes PMS?
The exact cause of PMS is not clear, but we do know that levels of estrogen and progesterone drop during the week before your period. Many doctors believe this decline in hormone levels triggers the symptoms of PMS. Changes in brain chemicals or deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may also play a role. Too many salty foods, alcohol, or caffeine may make symptoms worse as well.
Diagnosing PMS: Symptom Tracker
To figure out whether you have PMS, record your symptoms on a tracking form like this one. You may have PMS if:
- Symptoms occur during the five days before your period.
- Once your period starts, symptoms end within four days.
- Symptoms return for at least three menstrual cycles.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or get emergency medical care. You should also see your doctor right away if your symptoms are causing problems with your job, personal relationships, or other daily activities. This may be a sign of a more severe form of PMS known as PMDD.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) follows the same pattern as PMS, but the symptoms are more disruptive. Women with PMDD may experience panic attacks, crying spells, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, or other problems than interfere with daily life. Fortunately, many of the same strategies that relieve PMS can be effective against PMDD.
Risk factors for PMDD include a personal or family history of depression, mood disorders, or trauma.
PMS Remedy: Diet Rich in B Vitamins
Foods rich in B vitamins may help fight PMS. In one study, researchers followed more than 2,000 women for 10 years. They found that women who ate foods high in thiamine (pork, Brazil nuts) and riboflavin (eggs, dairy products) were far less likely to develop PMS. Taking supplements didn't have the same effect.
PMS Remedy: Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, are packed with fiber. Eating plenty of fiber can keep your blood sugar even, which may ease mood swings and food cravings. Enriched whole-grain products also have the PMS-fighting B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin.
PMS Remedy: Stress Relief
Because PMS can cause tension, anxiety, and irritability, it's important to find healthy ways to cope with stress. Different strategies work for different women. You may want to try yoga, meditation, massage, writing in a journal, or simply talking with friends. It also helps to make sure you get enough sleep.
PMS Remedy: Hormone Treatments
Birth control pills prevent ovulation by regulating hormones. This usually leads to lighter periods and may reduce the symptoms of PMS. Other hormonal treatments may include GnRH agonists lupron or nafarelin, or synthetic steroids such as danazol. You may need to try more than one type before you find one that gives you relief.
PMS Remedy: Other Medications
Antidepressants may help women with severe mood swings or PMDD. The most commonly used drugs are known as SSRIs. However, other types of antidepressants are often prescribed to treat PMDD. Some antidepressants may be taken for 10 to 14 days before each period or throughout the menstrual cycle. Those prescribed to treat PMS include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
- Paroxetine HCI (Paxil CR)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Other treatments for PMS include anti-anxiety medications (Xanax, Buspar) and diuretics (HCTZ, Aldactone).
PMS Remedy: Herbal Extracts
Herbal remedies for PMS haven't been well studied, but some women get relief with chasteberry, black cohosh, and evening primrose oil. Check with your doctor before trying these herbs. They may interact with medications or be harmful for people with certain chronic conditions.
Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD, FACOG on October 01, 2014
IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
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SOURCES:
AcneNet: "What Causes Acne?"
ACOG Pamphlet: "Premenstrual Syndrome."
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder."
American Dietetic Association: "Premenstrual Syndrome."
Chocano-Bedoya, P. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2011.
Hassan, I. The Journal of the British Menopause Society, December 2004.
Judith Wurtman, PhD, director of the women's health program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.
Medscape: "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Overview," "Premenstrual Syndrome Clinical Presentation."
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Black Cohosh," "Chasteberry," "Evening Primrose Oil."
New York Presbyterian: "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder."
Oregon State University Micronutrient Information Center: "Thiamine."
TeensHealth: "Why Do Some Girls Get PMS?"
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Midlife Transitions."
The National Women's Health Information Center: "Premenstrual Syndrome."
Women'sHealth.gov: "What Is Perimenopause?"
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
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