Dealing With PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome: PMS is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number of women for up to two weeks prior to menstruation. Of the estimated 40 million suffers, more than 5 million require medical treatment for marked mood and behavioral changes. Often symptoms tend to taper off with menstruation and women remain symptom-free until the two weeks or so prior to the next menstrual period. These regularly recurring symptoms from ovulation until menses typify PMS, premenstrual syndrome.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms that occur before the onset of the womanÂ’s menstrual period. Estimates of affected women range from 40 to 80%. About 5% of women experience symptoms that cause them severe impairment. PMS may start at any time during the years that a woman menstruates. The peak occurrence is in the 20s and 30s. Once PMS begins, the symptoms often continue until menopause.
About 150 separate symptoms have been documented, but it is unlikely that any one woman will have all of them. The symptoms can be divided into three general categories.
Changes in Mood or Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Anger
Tearfulness
Increased emotional reactivity
Changes in sexual desire
Anxiety
Exacerbation of existing psychiatric condition
Changes in Attention
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Difficulty staying on task
Prone to accidents
Physical Changes
Breast tenderness
Feeling bloated
Swelling in arms and legs
Migraine
Back pain
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in energy level
Nausea
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