Premenstrual syndrome; can occur a few days before menstruation with symptoms of anxiety, irritability, changing mood, insomnia, headache, swollen breasts, abdominal pain and oedema.
A group of symptoms that appear to result from an accumulation of fluids during the week or so before menstruation occurs.
Nervous stress experienced by a woman for one or two weeks before a menstrual period starts.
Poorly understood syndrome of tension, irritability, edema, headache, mastalgia (breast pain), bloating, appetite changes, and changes in muscular coordination occurring in many women several days before the onset of the menstrual flow.
A group of symptoms that occur in some women a few days before the onset of their menstrual period. These may include tension, swelling of the breasts, headache, and irritability. Symptoms usually disappear once the period starts.
Physical and mental changes that some women experience each month as their menstrual period approaches. Also called PMS.
This has been defined as ‘any combination of emotional or physical features which occur cyclically in a woman before menstruation, and which regress or disappear during menstruation’. It is characterized by mood-changes, discomfort, swelling and tenderness in the breasts, swelling of the legs, a bloated feeling in the abdomen, headache, fatigue and constipation. The mood changes range from irritability and mild depression to outbursts of violence. It may last for 3-14 days, usually at the same time in each cycle. Only the more severe cases are seen by doctors, but it has been estimated that one in ten of all menstruating women suffers from it severely enough to seek treatment. A small number of women find their symptoms significantly affect their life and their more severe disorder is sometimes referred to as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Many of the associated symptoms include such unpleasant feelings as hopelessness, sadness, anger, anxiety, loss of interest in usual pleasures (anhedonia) and low self-esteem. In view of the many suggested, but unproven, causes that have been put forward, it is not surprising that there is an equal multiplicity of treatments. For those with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes may be sufficient, perhaps with the addition of painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Oral contraceptives can also relieve some of the symptoms. Bloating and sore breasts may be relieved by diuretics (available over the counter at pharmacies). Women with PMDD may be advised to take an antidepressant such as one of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but these should only be taken under close medical supervision and after full discussion of possible side-effects. Whatever drug may be prescribed, counselling is equally essential and, in many cases, is all that is required.
A group of symptoms, including nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability, that occurs in some women before the menstrual period.
Syndrome of nervous tension, irritability, weight gain, headache, and edema occurring just before the onset of menstruation.
A collection of symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, depression, fatigue, insomnia, headache, and bloating, which impact certain women before the commencement of their menstrual cycle.
The amalgamation of physical and emotional indicators that emerges in numerous women approximately a week before their menstrual period is referred to as premenstrual syndrome (commonly abbreviated as PMS). This syndrome initiates either at or after ovulation, which marks the midpoint of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from an ovary. It persists until the commencement of menstruation. For certain women, the severity of this condition can be profound enough to significantly disrupt work and social interactions.
Various theories regarding the origins of PMS encompass hormonal fluctuations and potential deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. However, none of these hypotheses have been definitively validated.
Among the prevalent emotional indicators, fatigue, irritability, tension, aggression, tearfulness, and depression are frequently encountered. On the physical front, symptoms comprise breast tenderness, fluid retention, headaches, backaches, and discomfort in the lower abdominal region.
No singular treatment has demonstrated absolute efficacy. Approaches to address particular symptoms encompass modifications in diet, relaxation methods, and consistent physical activity. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) might provide relief from certain symptoms in some women. Oral contraceptives have the capacity to alleviate symptoms by suppressing the usual menstrual cycle. While progesterone supplements are at times employed, their effectiveness varies. The antidepressant medication fluoxetine is presently authorized for the treatment of PMS.