The specific symptoms associated with PMS vary from person to person, but each woman’s symptoms are predictable, occur consistently during the ten days prior to menses and disappear either just before or just after the start of it. Up to 10% of women experience worse symptoms than normal.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that relates to a woman’s menstrual cycle. For these symptoms to be considered PMS they usually have to be serious enough to impact on every-day life. In particular, emotional symptoms must be present consistently to diagnose PMS.

Causes

It is not known what causes PMS, but it is mainly associated with hormonal imbalances. It varies from one individual to another and can be affected by lifestyle, genetic factors, nutrition and the emotional state of the woman at the time. This may help explain why women in the modern world experience the symptoms of PMS more than those living in developing societies. Increased emotional and physical stress could easily become part of everyday life, and proper nutrition is often neglected due to busy schedules.

Symptoms

The symptoms are mainly emotional and can be different for each individual. Usually only some of the following symptoms are experienced:

    • Irritability
    • Tension
    • Unhappiness
    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Insomnia
    • Headache
    • Fatigue
    • Mood swings
    • Increased emotional sensitivity.

Risk factors

The following factors could increase the severity of the symptoms:

    • High caffeine intake
    • Stress
    • Increasing age
    • Depression
    • Family history of PMS
    • Dietary factors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PMS is subjective, but the three main features are:

    • The main complaint being emotional symptoms associated with PMS
    • Symptoms occur predictably during the premenstrual phase and go away shortly before or during menses
    • The symptoms affect the woman’s everyday life.

Treatment

Calcium or vitamin B6 supplements may assist in managing PMS symptoms. Prescription medicines and antidepressants are other options to help relieve the symptoms, although it does not treat the cause. Exercise and relaxation may help some women to feel less tense and in a better mood. Sufficient sleep and a healthy diet may also contribute to relieving the severity of symptoms of PMS.

 

Sources
Dickerson, L. M.; Mazyck, P. J.; Hunter, M. H. (2003). “Premenstrual Syndrome”. American Family Physician 67 (8): 1743–52
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