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 pms symptom
Premenstrual Stress Syndrome (PMS, also called Premenstrual
Stress, Premenstrual Tension, PMT, Premenstrual Syndrome, Periodic Mood Swing)
Premenstrual Stress Syndrome (PMS, also called Premenstrual Stress,
Premenstrual Tension, PMT, Premenstrual Syndrome, Periodic Mood Swing) is stress
which is a physical symptom prior to the onset of menstruation. PMS should not
be confused with dysmenorrhea, which refers to pain or cramps during
menstruation.
PMS is exceedingly common, occurring in 75% of women of reproductive age
during their lifetime. A more severe form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD). This occurs in about 5% of women. Both are characterized by
symptoms of mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability that occur prior
to menses, usually in the two week period between ovulation and menses. It is
often accompanied by physical symptoms such as bloating and cramping.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of PMDD differentiation from clinical depression and anxiety
disorders.
Treatment usually begins with lifestyle modification. Reducing caffeine,
sugar, and sodium intake may help. Supplements of vitamin B6 and calcium
carbonate have been shown to help alleviate some symptoms; calcium carbonate
should be taken in doses of 1200 milligrams a day. Exercise will help reduce
depression and anxiety symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary will help cue sufferers
to exacerbating and relieving strategies.
Prescription treatments include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft),
paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa). While commonly described as the
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, several drugs of this class (such as
fluoxetine) have been demonstrated to increase the bioavailability of the
neurosteroid allopregnanolone by altering the metabolic favorability of the
reaction.
Traditional herbal treatments include Vitex (Chasteberry), Evening primrose (Oenothera
Biennis), red clover and black cohosh[citation needed]. There is some clinical
evidence that these do indeed remedy the symptoms of PMS. Herbal treatments may
work by stimulating the pituitary gland, or by effects on dopamine or opioid
receptors.
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