PMS

Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is the collective experience that a woman goes through before and during the menstruation period. This time is often colored by several emotional and physical reactions to the process. Although the individual experience of these symptoms can be dramatically different from woman to woman, the term of PMS is used interchangeably to describe the presence of these symptoms.

Because it is such a widely disparate experience, there have been over 200 individual symptoms that have been linked to PMS, with the majority being emotional or mental reactions. The most common PMS symptoms that are experienced are increased tension, irritability, and depression. Other reactions that could be present include an increase in anxiety or stress, insomnia, abrupt mood changes, heightened sensitivity, headaches, and fatigue. The physical symptoms that are associated with PMS include acne, constipation, breast tenderness, bloating and cramps as the most frequent features.

There are some risk factors that can cause the symptoms of PMS to be worse. Many doctors recommend that a woman that is nearing her menstrual period lower her intake of caffeine and make sure that she is eating a nutritious diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Making these changes will reduce the manifestation of the PMS symptoms for some women. However, for some women, the degree to which PMS is experienced is largely related to hereditary factors. This has been evidenced in studies involving twins that commonly experience PMS in a similar fashion.

If the PMS symptoms are severe, a woman can seek treatment by discussing her individual condition with a physician. The doctor may prescribe SSRI medications that can help the brain and body to retain serotonin, thus reducing the effects of the normal condition. In addition, there are several over the counter products that can provide relief from many of the adverse reactions of PMS.