Common Symptoms Of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Common Symptoms Of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS, exhibits symptoms which are highly variable among

individuals. It can best be regarded as a condition of disregulation for which cyclic

hormonal variations provide the stressor.

PMS may occur at any time during a woman's life. Specific conditions associated with

the onset of symptoms include menarche, hysterectomy, pregnancy, tubal ligation, cessation

of birth control pills and amenorrhea (missed periods). The severity of symptoms may also

increase following any of these events.

PMS symptoms include a variety of physical and emotional symptoms associated with a

specific phase of the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms include irritability, mood

swings, anxiety, and depression. Also reported is less interest in the usual activities,

fatigue, trouble concentrating, change in sleep or appetite, and various physical symptoms,

including pain and migraines. These symptoms must be correlated with the premenstrual

phase only and must be sufficient to result in serious impairment of relationships or

interference with activities in order to be regarded as clinically significant.

Many of the PMS symptoms are characteristic of depression as well, and indeed PMS may

be seen as a depressive syndrome. Antidepressant and antianxiety medications often provide

relief from some emotional PMS symptoms. Medical management must be maintained

continuously, and generally involves some undesirable side effects. The lack of successful

medical management again augurs well for a biofeedback intervention. The fundamental issue

is "disregulation", for which the remedy is "reregulation", rather than the more

unilateral intervention implied by anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications.

There are many theories regarding the causes of PMS, but none of these are universally

agreed upon, and none appear to be true for all women with premenstrual symptoms. Theories

have included progesterone deficiency, estrogen excess, vitamin deficiency, hypoglycemia,

fluid retention, prolactin excess, stress, and psychosomatic causes. PMS is thought to be

related to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase occurs during the

last half of the menstrual cycle, during the two weeks between ovulation

(when the ovary releases an egg) and menstruation.

Currently there are no generally accepted medical or psychological tests available in

the U.S. for diagnosing PMS. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the pattern of symptoms.

The disorder is most manageable if you know when to expect symptoms and how to

counteract negative effects through diet, exercise and stress reduction.

Good nutrition may help control the symptoms of PMS. A balanced diet with regular

mealtimes is the most important nutritional recommendation for relieving symptoms and will

generally provide adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. Research indicates that PMS

symptoms can be worsened by excessive intake of sodium, alcohol and caffeine.

Many women with PMS describe cravings for salty and/or sweet foods premenstrually.

Complex carbohydrates (provided by fruits, vegetables and grain products such as bread,

rice, pasta, and cereals) can often be satisfying.

Exercise is helpful in providing a sense of well-being as well as in relieving tension.

A regular program of physical activity may help alleviate symptoms of depression and

irritability. A recommended regimen is daily exercise for at least 30 minutes. Walking

is an excellent form of exercise.