Premenstrual Syndrome

Many women are familiar with this: In the days leading up to their period, they experience abdominal pain or headaches, feel sad and irritable, and generally feel unwell. The medical term for these symptoms is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For most women, PMS symptoms are not very severe. However, some women are so affected that they cannot carry out their normal daily activities during this time. The symptoms begin a few days to two weeks before the onset of menstruation. When menstruation begins and a new cycle starts, the PMS symptoms subside again. They disappear completely by the end of the period at the latest. Some women experience symptoms in some cycles but not in others. The severity of the symptoms can also vary greatly from cycle to cycle.

Causes:

The causes of PMS are not fully understood. It is believed that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle play a role. In addition, genetic predisposition and environmental factors influence the development of PMS.

Treatment:

Girls and women with PMS often try various remedies and methods to alleviate their symptoms. For milder symptoms, for example, some try relaxation exercises and increased physical activity. Others turn to herbal remedies and dietary supplements such as chasteberry, St. John’s wort, calcium, or vitamin B6.

For more severe symptoms, various medications may be considered:

• Hormonal treatments such as the birth control pill or hormone patches affect hormone levels

• Antidepressants can help alleviate severe psychological symptoms

• Pain relievers can effectively relieve severe menstrual cramps

• Diuretics help with severe symptoms caused by fluid retention

Come see us—we’ll find the right solution for you. We’d be happy to advise you.