• Can occur any time from Day 14 onwards in the menstrual cycle
• Improves dramatically once the period starts and disappears after about 2-3 days
• Affect about 90% of women however REAL PMS must be bad enough to affect your daily activities, and the symptoms must disappear for a certain amount of time each month (otherwise it’s not PMS and you may want to see your doctor)
• Is more likely in women with a family history of PMS.

What Causes PMS?

It is not an abnormality in hormones, however some women may be affected by hormonal fluctuations while others are not.

There is increasing evidence that a substance called serotonin which is present in the blood and brain may be lower in women who suffer from PMS.

What Are the Physical Symptoms of PMS?

• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Acne
• Lack of libido.

What Are the Psychological Symptoms?

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Anger, tension, aggression and feeling "out of control"
• Paranoia
• Low self esteem.

Other Symptoms Include

• Poor concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Food cravings
• Insomnia
• Clumsiness
• Increased alcohol intake.

What are the Treatments?

• Exercise can improve your self esteem
• Avoid stressful situations
• Eat regular meals with a high-fibre carbohydrate-based snack (mid afternoon and morning) which may help keep your sugar levels steady
• Drink less caffeine to lower your anxiety, headaches, breast pain and to help you sleep better. It will also reduce bloating and fluid retention.

Natural Treatments Include

• Calcium — 1200 mgs daily can help relieve water retention, negative moods and food cravings
• Evening primrose oil — up to 500 mgs daily can reduce breast pain (but needs to be used for three months before results can be seen)
• Vitamin B6 — no more than 100 mgs daily
• Vitamins A and E.

What Can the Doctor Do?

The doctor may prescribe any or all of the following:

• The Pill. While some women report improvements in their PMS when they go on the Pill or switch brands, other women report a worsening of symptoms
• Hormonal preparations
• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs such as Prozac these are used to treat depression
• Diuretics for women who suffer from bloating and fluid retention
• Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors such as Naprogesic, Nurofen or Ponstan are useful for the treatment of headaches, period pains or fatigue.

In addition you may wish to discuss with your doctor

• Counselling
• Hypnotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation therapy.

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Last updated:24/01/2006
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