Premenstrual syndrome (PMS, premenstrual tension syndrome, premenstrual condition, premenstrual tension, menstrual psychosomatic disorder) is a combination of various clinical symptoms that occur before menstruation and are associated with disturbances during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Approximately one in three women experiences symptoms of PMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PMS may be associated with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone during the second phase of the menstrual cycle;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
increased prolactin production;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
thyroid dysfunction;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
vitamin deficiencies;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
genetic predisposition;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
frequent stress and conflict situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several forms of PMS are distinguished: psychovegetative, edematous, cephalgic, crisis, atypical, and mixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms usually occur 2 to 10 days before the onset of menstruation. Once menstruation begins, symptoms generally decrease or disappear completely. PMS symptoms can be divided into physical and psychological symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Physical symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
breast pain and increased breast tenderness, breast swelling;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
swelling of the lower extremities and slight weight gain;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
migraine-like headaches;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
nausea and vomiting;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
muscle, joint, and lower back pain;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
increased thirst and frequent urination;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
cravings for salty or sweet foods;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
tachycardia and facial flushing;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
skin eruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psychological symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
frequent mood changes;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
depressed mood;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
persistent psychological tension and irritability;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
excessive sleepiness or insomnia;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
memory impairment;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
panic attacks or feelings of panic;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
suicidal thoughts;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
aggressive behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosis<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosis is based on the patient\u2019s complaints and medical history, which may sometimes be more informative than the gynecological examination itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The diagnosis may be supported by blood tests measuring prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels during both phases of the menstrual cycle. The edematous form of PMS may be associated with decreased progesterone levels during the second phase of the cycle, while increased prolactin levels may occur in the neuropsychological, cephalgic, and crisis forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The type of PMS also determines the need for additional examinations. For psychovegetative and cephalgic forms, consultations with a neurologist and psychiatrist may be recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If breast pain is present, mammography and breast ultrasound during the first phase of the menstrual cycle may be performed, along with consultation with a breast specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For headaches, additional examinations may include electroencephalography (EEG), ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries, CT or MRI of the brain, and consultation with a neurologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the edematous form, daily urine output may be assessed. In the crisis form, blood pressure is monitored and consultation with a general physician may be recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment of PMS is comprehensive and may include the following groups of medications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psychotropic and sedative medications. These may be prescribed to manage psycho-emotional symptoms associated with PMS. Treatment may continue for at least two months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hormonal medications. These are used to stabilize sex hormone levels when clinically indicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diuretics. These may be prescribed when significant fluid retention and swelling are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptomatic treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines for allergic symptoms, B vitamins, and magnesium supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The duration of treatment may range from three to six months, depending on the severity of symptoms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS, premenstrual tension syndrome, premenstrual condition, premenstrual tension, menstrual psychosomatic disorder) is a combination of various clinical symptoms that occur before menstruation and are associated with disturbances during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Approximately one in three women experiences symptoms of PMS. Causes PMS may be associated with: an imbalance between […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-321","disease","type-disease","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n