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As
many as 8 out of 10 women have physical and emotional symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. While the symptoms can be
uncomfortable and upsetting, PMS can be easily managed in many
cases.
What
Is PMS?
PMS
is a collection of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms
that affect some women of childbearing age during the one to two
weeks before a menstrual period. Because PMS symptoms are cyclic and
correlate with the menstrual cycle, many researchers believe that
they are related to cyclic fluctuations in levels of specific body
chemicals, especially the female sex hormones, pituitary hormones,
prostaglandin’s or certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that
can influence the levels of pituitary and reproductive hormones).
Other researchers have suggested that PMS may be related to
hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar), hypothyroidism
(abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones) or a dietary deficiency
of B vitamins, calcium or magnesium. In addition to these factors,
lifestyle may also play a significant role in PMS. This is because
PMS symptoms appear to be most troubling in women who smoke, lead
stressful lives, rarely exercise, sleep too little or follow a poor
diet. In particular, some researchers believe that PMS symptoms may
be triggered by a high intake of caffeine, alcohol, salt, red meat
or sugary foods (especially chocolate). In some women, the use of
oral contraceptives has also produced symptoms of PMS.
According
to a federally funded study conducted in Virginia, women between
ages 25 and 34 are more than twice as likely to experience PMS than
those between ages 35 and 44. Also, there is some evidence than PMS
may be slightly more prevalent among black women (affecting one in
seven) than among white women (one in ten) or women of other races
(one in 25).
In
recent years, there has been some controversy in the medical
community about the definition of true PMS. This is because
premenstrual discomfort is fairly common among women of childbearing
age, affecting about 75 percent of all menstruating women. However,
only about 3 percent to 8 percent of women have symptoms that are
severe enough to either disrupt their personal relationships or
interfere with their normal work and home responsibilities. Some
doctors feel that only these women -- the small percentage with
severe symptoms -- are the ones who suffer from true PMS. These
doctors regard PMS as a severe illness that is equivalent to what
psychiatrists call premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, other
doctors use a less stringent definition for PMS, which includes only
mild symptoms.
Symptoms
In
general, symptoms of PMS fall into two categories:
- Physical
symptoms - bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of feet and
ankles, fluid retention and weight gain, headaches, food
cravings (especially for salty or sweet foods), acne breakout,
low energy, palpitations, dizziness, backaches or muscle pain
-
Psychological
and emotional symptoms
- mood swings, irritability, depression, aggressiveness or
hostility, crying spells, difficulty concentrating, changes in
libido
Although
the specific collection of PMS symptoms varies from woman to woman,
the top three complaints seem to be irritability, backaches or
muscle pain and bloating.
What
Your Doctor Looks For
Your
doctor will ask you about your PMS symptoms, about the timing of
these symptoms in relation to your menstrual period and about the
regularity of symptoms (every month, every other month, etc.). Your
doctor will also inquire about the general quality of your life,
including:
- Are
you feeling really stressed lately?
- Are
you having relationship difficulties with your spouse, family
members or coworkers?
- Are
you so rushed that you sleep poorly and skip meals?
- Do
you live a sedentary life with little exercise?
- Do
you smoke cigarettes?
- Do
you drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages?
- Is
your diet high in red meat, salty foods or sugar?
Expected
Duration
PMS
can be a long-term condition. In some women, symptoms of PMS flare
up before every menstrual period, and this cycle of flare-ups does
not end until menopause (the age-related end to menstrual cycles).
In other women, PMS symptoms seems to lessen after age 35.
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