Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including mood swings, breast tenderness, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. An estimated 3 out of 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms usually reappear and follow a predictable pattern. The physical and emotional changes you experience with PMS can range from barely noticeable to severe. However, you should not let these problems control your life. Adjustments in treatments and lifestyle can help you reduce or control the signs and symptoms of PMS.
The list of possible signs and symptoms of PMS is long, but most women have only a few of these problems. Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms, tension or anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, mood swings and irritability or anger, changes in appetite and food cravings, problems with falling asleep (insomnia), social isolation, problems with concentration, changes in libido, physical signs and symptoms, joint or muscle pain, headache, fatigue, weight gain from fluid retention, abdominal inflammation, breast tenderness, acne breakouts, constipation or diarrhea , alcohol intolerance for some people, physical pain and emotional stress are severe enough to affect everyday life. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, they usually disappear within four days after the start of the menstrual period for most women. However, a small number of women with PMS experience disabling symptoms every month. This form of premenstrual syndrome is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Signs and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include depression, mood swings, anger, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and tension. When to See a Doctor If you have been unable to control your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with lifestyle changes, and PMS symptoms are affecting your health and daily activities, see your doctor. Causes The cause of PMS is not known exactly, but several factors may contribute to the disease, including the following: Cyclical changes in hormones. The signs and symptoms of PMS change with hormonal variations and disappear with pregnancy and menopause. Chemical changes in the brain. Variations of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is believed to play an essential role in mood swings, can trigger PMS symptoms. Insufficient amounts of serotonin can contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as fatigue, food cravings, and sleep problems. Depression. Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, although depression alone does not cause all symptoms.
