Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

About three fourth of women at childbearing age feel discomfort during premenstrual period caused by various symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In 10 percent of cases premenstrual syndrome (PMS) reveals in much more serious form called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The difference between PMS and PMDD is in the strength of symptoms. Being more severe, PMDD has bigger influence on women’s daily activities and psychological state. As a rule, the symptoms of PMDD reveal themselves in the last week of menstrual cycle and disappear in a few days after menstruation starts. The typical symptoms include:

1 – Depression, continual nervousness or sadness

2 – Shifts of mood with often wing-dings

3 – Heightened irritation and furiousness

4 – Apathy and loss of interest to usual day-to-day activities

5 – Pain in joints, muscular ache, headache and other flu-like symptoms

6 – Breasts hypersensitivity

7 – Tiredness and sleepiness

8 – Slumber disorders – insomnia or sleeping too much, problems with falling asleep

9 – Surfeit, constant feel of hunger or loss of appetite

The reasons of PMDD are not found yet. Most of scientists note big resemblance between PMDD and major depression. But PMDD also affects women without major depression history.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is healed by decreasing or preventing the impact of its sympthoms. The main drugs used for this are:

1 – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are able to relieve breast sensitivity and cramping. Advil, Mortin and other medicines of this group are usually taken before or at the beginning of menstrual period.

2 – Antidepressants including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are able to ease emotional discomfort and problems with slumber.

3 – Oral contraceptives can be used to neutralize the main cause of PMDD. They stop ovulation that lead to hormonal stability.

4 – Nutritional supplements like calcium, magnesium and vitamin B-6 reduce various problems caused by PMDD. Taking them regularly helps to normalize physical and emotional state.

5 – Herbal remedies can be used to reduce emotional symptoms of PMDD and headaches, as well as improve sleep. L-tryptophan and chastberry are clinically studied remedies.

6 – Diet and regular physical exercises. They both effectively reduce premenstrual symptoms, as well as recondition the whole organism. Reducing caffeine intake may decrease anxiety and emotional instability. Carbohydrates are able to improve mood.

It is important to consult a doctor when feeling the aforementioned symptoms. Only a qualified medic can determine the origin of symptoms, if it is PMDD or other disorder. If the reason is PMDD, a doctor will prescribe specific treatment for your symptoms that will help to minimize the impact of PMDD.