Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is characterized by a combination of physical and psychological symptoms that start the week before your menstrual period and often improve once your period begins.

Symptoms of PMS vary from woman to woman, making a standard diagnosis difficult. It's not uncommon. According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), as many as seventy-five percent of menstruating women have some symptoms associated with PMS, ranging from mild to very severe. Among the more common symptoms are:

• bloating and weight gain
• breast tenderness or pain (Read about "Breast Diseases and Conditions")
• backache (Read about "Back Pain")
• mood changes
• headaches (Read about "Headaches")
• hot flashes
• skin changes
• food cravings, such as chocolate

It's unclear why some women have PMS and others don't. Some researchers are trying to see if PMS is related to other mood disorders and/or to a woman's history of serotonin function. (Read about "Depressive Illnesses" "Anxiety") Recent studies suggest a connection between the symptoms of PMS and female sex hormones. Other studies point to a complex interaction of brain chemicals as the culprit. (Read about "The Brain")

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMS can also take a more serious form. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says an estimated 3 to 4 percent of women suffer severe symptoms that significantly interfere with work and social functioning. This impairing form of premenstrual syndrome, also called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), appears to be an abnormal response to normal hormone changes. Researchers are studying what makes some women susceptible to PMDD, including differences in hormone sensitivity, history of other mood disorders, and individual differences in the function of brain chemical messenger systems. Antidepressant medications known to work via serotonin circuits can be effective in relieving PMDD. A woman who suspects PMDD should discuss all options, along with the benefits and disadvantages of medications, with her physician.

Managing PMS

For less severe forms of PMS, many women find that a variety of different things can help to ease the symptoms. NWHIC says no treatment has been found that is consistently effective. Nonetheless, some women are helped by diet and lifestyle changes including:

• eating less refined sugar
• drinking less caffeine
• avoiding nicotine (Read about "Quit Smoking")
• avoiding alcohol
• avoiding salt (Read about "Sodium")

Others find that increased exercise and stress management are helpful. (Read about "Getting Started on Fitness" "Stress") NWHIC says exercise can increase the production of brain chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin; these in turn can help to relieve stress and anxiety.

Any woman, who finds that PMS is causing problems in her life, should discuss it with her doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Related Information

    Woman's Health Terms Glossary

    Menstrual Disorders