Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms and Treatment
There are many different menstrual disorders that can result in pain, irritability. When a woman experiences extreme anxiety, fear, paranoia, anger, or depression before her period begins, it is known as PMS. If you are suffering from any type of emotional problems before or during your period, it is in your best interest to seek the help of a physician. He or she will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and offer you a series of treatments or solutions to improve your quality of life. A normal menstrual cycle is different for every woman, but it shouldn’t be debilitating or causing issues in your daily life. PMS can be severe for some women, but there are treatment options available.
PMS Causes
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to hormone disorders. Since menstrual disorders encompass a wide variety of different problems, diseases, or conditions, there are different causes that should be taken into consideration. Finding the cause of PMS can help doctors find appropriate treatment, as well. Some common causes include:
- Cyclic changes in hormones
- Chemical changes in the brain
- Depression
PMS Symptoms
The symptoms of PMS can be different for every woman. Some women may experience a lot of symptoms while others may only experience a few. Some women can also experience mild symptoms while others experience symptoms that are more severe. Some of the common symptoms of PMS include:
- Tension
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
- Crying spells
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anger
- Appetite changes
- Food cravings
- Insomnia
- Social withdrawal
- Poor concentration
- Low sex drive
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Water retention
- Abdominal bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Acne flare-ups
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Alcohol intolerance
PMS Diagnosis
Women who are experiencing PMS should visit a doctor to get a diagnosis. A physician will ask the patient a series of questions to help them pinpoint the issue. Doctors will also conduct a pelvic exam to inspect their reproductive organs to ensure that they are not inflamed or have other issues. If the doctor thinks the issues the patient is experiencing may be hormonal, he or she might order bloodwork to take a look at hormone levels. The patient may also undergo an endometrial biopsy, an ultrasound, or a hysteroscopy.
PMS Treatment
The recommended treatment for PMS will largely depend on the cause of the issue. The doctor may prescribe birth control to help ease the symptoms. Treatments are usually based on the symptoms the patient is experiencing as well as the patient’s overall health. Some common treatment options for PMS include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antidepressants
- Diuretics
- Hormonal contraceptives
PMS Prognosis
The prognosis for women with PMS is good once they have been diagnosed and begin treatment. Some PMS is normal to experience, but if the symptoms become severe, treatment may be necessary. Treatment may lessen the symptoms or eliminate, and some women will still experience PMS even with treatment. PMS is not a serious illness, although it can be an annoying one.
