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PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Premenstrual syndrome, also called PMS, is a term used to describe a group of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms occur in the 2 weeks before a menstruating woman has her period.
What is going on in the body?
PMS occurs during the last 2 weeks of a woman's menstrual cycle. This phase starts with the release of an egg from the ovary. It ends when the woman starts her period. The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but researchers have proposed the following causes:
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
PMS is reported in 85% of women who menstruate. However, only 5% to 10% of menstruating women are severely impaired by PMS. No one knows what makes PMS so severe in some women and mild in others.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
More than 150 symptoms have been attributed to PMS. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, also known as ACOG, lists these symptoms as the most common:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PMS begins with a medical history and physical exam. ACOG has established the following criteria for a diagnosis of PMS:
ACOG recommends that a woman keep a diary of her symptoms for 2 to 3 consecutive months. She can then discuss the diary with the healthcare provider. The provider may order tests to rule out other conditions.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
The following recommendations may help prevent PMS or relieve some of the symptoms.
Several herbal remedies, including chasteberry and black cohash, have been reported to relieve PMS. While these remedies are being studied, ACOG currently recommends that women discuss these options with their healthcare providers.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
There are no significant long-term effects of PMS.
What are the risks to others?
PMS is not contagious. It poses no risk to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
ACOG recommends the following lifestyle changes to relieve PMS symptoms:
Medications used to treat PMS include the following:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, also known as GnRH, agonists can be prescribed to prevent the release of the egg from the ovary. These medicines are used only in severe PMS that can't be treated effectively with other medicines. Other medicines, such as lithium and oral contraceptives, have been used to treat PMS. However, they have not been proven effective in clinical trials.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medicines to lower prostaglandin levels can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Hormones can interfere with other body processes. Antidepressants and medicines to control anxiety can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and allergic reactions. Diuretics can cause salt imbalances and dehydration. GnRH agonists can cause osteoporosis.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
For many women, treatment continues until they stop menstruating at menopause.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:07/31/01
Reviewer:Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed:06/26/01