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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Once a month, typically for a period of 7-10 days, you may experience a combination of emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms. These symptoms are often followed by a painful period, common especially in teenagers. Signs of PMS tend to recur in a predictable pattern and may include all or some of the following:

 

  • Emotional, Behavioural or Physical
  • Mood swings, irritability or anger
  • Headache
  • Depression, tension or anxiety
  • Insomnia
  •  Poor concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Social withdrawal
  • Acne flare-ups
  • Appetite changes
  • Breast fullness
  •  Food cravings
  •  Abdominal bloating
  •  Weight gain from fluid retention
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Cramping in lower abdomen and / or back
Other comorbid conditions (additional diseases or disorders) may worsen when PMS symptoms occur. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, your arthritic pain may increase during your menstrual period.
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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

While the cause of PMS is not clearly understood, it may be described as the result of multiple factors such as:
HORMONES
During your menstrual cycle hormones fluctuate, which is thought to be the biggest factor contributing to many of the PMS symptoms.
CHEMICALS IN THE BRAIN
Hormone fluctuations may affect certain chemicals in your brain. One such chemical is serotonin, which helps to regulate moods.
LIFESTYLE
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise and weight gain may increase your risk of PMS.
PSYCHOSOCIAL
Environment, relationships, self-esteem, stress and depression may also increase your risk. In fact, if you are already a PMS sufferer, increased age and stress may worsen your condition.

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HOW PMS IS DIAGNOSED

There is no definitive laboratory test or procedure to diagnose PMS. Diagnosis is usually based on medical history. Research shows that self-tracking or diarising your symptoms for a minimum of two months can help your healthcare practitioner to identify characteristic symptom patterns. Periodicity (when and how often) and severity of symptoms is important. When tracking your PMS symptoms you should include emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms.
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TYPES OF PMS

  • Mild: Does not interfere with personal/social and professional life.
  • Moderate: Interferes with personal/social and professional life but still able to function and interact.
  • Severe: Unable to interact personally/socially or professionally – withdraws from social and professional activities.
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PMDD (PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER):

Severe PMS (USA Institutes)
Mild PMS is self-treatable but more severe PMS symptoms may require medications that block the secretion of certain hormones. In extreme cases of PMDD justified medical or surgical elimination of the menstrual cycle (removal of the ovaries) may be required.
In the case of emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, you may require counselling. A qualified practitioner can help you to find ways to manage some of your symptoms.

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USEFUL TIPS FOR COPING WITH PMS

Self-track symptoms and keep a diary to monitor frequency and severity of symptoms
Introduce healthy lifestyle habits
Consult a healthcare practitioner if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life

 

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PMS PREVENTION

You cannot prevent PMS but you can reduce the severity of your symptoms by introducing healthy lifestyle habits:

  • Eat healthy foods
  • Exercise regularly
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get 6 – 8 hours of sleep per night
  • Reduce / manage stress levels
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More Information
Download Printable PDF

• Kumar, P. and Clark, M. (2009) Kumar and Clark’s Clinical Medicine. Ninth Edition. Edenburgh: Saunders Elsevier. • Martini, H. M. (2004) Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. Illustrated Sixth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc., as Benjamin Cummings. • O’Brien, P.M.S. (1993) Education & Debate: Helping women with premenstrual syndrome. British Medical Journal: Volume 307: 1471-5 • Stedman, T. L. (2008) Stedman’s Medical Dictionary for the Health Professionals and Nursing. Illustrated Sixth Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. • Berger D. et al., (2000) Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 264: 150-153. • Schellenberg, R. (2001) Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study. British Medical Journal. 322: 134-7. • Schellenberg, R. et al., (2012) Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 14:1325-1331.

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