Pre menstrual syndrome

nursing faculty

1. Definition and Introduction… Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the  menstrual cycle , generally just before her menses. PMS is a very common condition. Its symptoms affect up to  85 percent  of menstruating women. It must impair some aspect of your life for your doctor to diagnose you. PMS symptoms start five to 11 days before menstruation and typically go away once menstruation begins. The cause of PMS is unknown.

2. causes Risk factors for premenstrual syndrome include: a history of  depression  or mood disorders, such as  postpartum depression  or  bipolar disorder a family history of PMS a family history of depression domestic violence substance abuse physical trauma emotional trauma

3. Causes… Associated conditions include: dysmenorrhea major depressive disorder seasonal affective disorder generalized anxiety disorder schizophrenia

4. Symptoms… The symptoms of PMS include: abdominal bloating abdominal pain sore breasts acne food cravings, especially for sweets constipation diarrhea headaches sensitivity to light or sound fatigue

5. Symptoms… Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms Tension or anxiety Depressed mood Crying spells Mood swings and irritability or anger Appetite changes and food cravings Trouble falling asleep (insomnia) Social withdrawal Poor concentration Change in libido

6. Diagnosis…. Your doctor must also rule out other causes, such as: anemia endometriosis thyroid disease irritable bowel syndrome  (IBS) chronic fatigue syndrome connective tissue or rheumatologic diseases Pelvic exam

7. Easing the symptoms.. drinking plenty of fluids to ease abdominal bloating eating a balanced diet to improve your overall health and energy level, which means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing your intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol taking supplements, such as  folic acid ,  vitamin B-6 ,  calcium , and  magnesium  to reduce cramps and mood swings taking  vitamin D  to reduce symptoms sleeping at least eight hours per night to reduce fatigue exercising to decrease bloating and improve your mental health reducing stress, such as through exercising and reading going to  cognitive behavioral therapy , which has been shown to be effective