PMS

Our Approach

Treating PMS

Treatments for PMS symptoms may include:

• Healthy diet: Reducing your intake of caffeine, salt and sugar can lessen symptoms.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can reduce fatigue, mood changes and painful cramps.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications may relieve headache, backache, cramps and breast tenderness.

If you experience emotional symptoms throughout the month, you may have depression or anxiety. You may need counseling or medicine if you experience severe anxiety, irritability or depression.

Diagnosing PMS

Your gynecologist can diagnose PMS. We may perform a blood test to rule out thyroid disorders, which can have similar symptoms.

Your doctor may also have you record your symptoms on a calendar to see if a pattern exists. You'll need to record the:

• Day you first notice PMS symptoms
• Day symptoms go away
• Dates your period starts and ends

About PMS

PMS is a medical condition that affects many women of childbearing age. It can cause physical and psychological symptoms just before your menstrual period. These symptoms often occur each month.

The most severe form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This disorder causes severe symptoms that interfere with work, social activities and relationships.

Fluctuating levels of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, may cause PMS. Changing levels of another hormone called serotonin may also trigger PMS. Serotonin is a brain chemical that affects mood. Low serotonin levels may contribute to:

• Premenstrual depression
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Sleep problems

PMS symptoms

PMS symptoms can vary from month to month. Symptoms usually disappear during pregnancy and menopause. Symptoms may include:

Emotional symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or aggression
• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Tearfulness
• Trouble sleeping

Physical symptoms:

• Acne
• Backaches and joint and muscle pain
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Headaches