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Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. For some women, the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with their lives. They have a type of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.
Common PMS symptoms include
No one knows what causes PMS, but hormonal changes trigger the symptoms. No single PMS treatment works for everyone. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen may help ease cramps, headaches, backaches and breast tenderness. Avoiding salt, caffeine and alcohol, exercising and getting enough sleep can also help.
National Women's Health Information Center
:'''''PMS''' redirects here. For the Pantone Matching System, see Pantone'' '''Premenstrual stress syndrome''' ('''PMS''', also called '''Premenstrual stress''', '''Premenstrual tension''', '''PMT''' and '''premenstrual syndrome''') is stress (psychology) which is a physical symptom prior to the onset of menstruation. PMS is exceedingly common, occurring in 75% of women of reproductive age during their lifetime. A more severe form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This occurs in about 5% of women. Both are characterized by symptoms of mood swings, clinical depression, anxiety and irritability that occur prior to menses, usually in the two week period between ovulation and menses. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms of abdominal bloating and cramping. Diagnosis of PMDD requires a persistence of symptoms for several menstrual cycles, and differentiation from major depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment usually begins with lifestyle modification. Reducing caffeine, sugar and sodium intake may help. Supplements of vitamin B6 and calcium carbonate have been shown to help reduce symptoms. Vitamin B6 should be taken in doses of 50 to 100 micrograms per day. Calcium carbonate should be taken in doses of 1200 milligrams a day. Exercise will help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary will help cue sufferers to exacerbating and relieving strategies. Prescription treatments include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa).
Women's Health Diary - A women's health booklet which provides a checklist format for recording premenstrual syndrome (PMS), peri-menopause, and menopause symptoms.
Women and Depression - Heather Ewart's e-book on molecular biology, the female brain, improved treatment of pms or premenstrual syndrome.
Athena's Apothecary - Products for breast enhancement, premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
Is it PMS or Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder? - Description that outlines diagnostic criteria used for premenstrual syndrome (a gynecologic diagnosis) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a psychiatric diagnosis).
Dealing with Your PMS - Physical and emotional aspects of Premenstrual Syndrome how to identify and deal with them. By Carol Watkins, M.D.
Premenstrual Syndrome Forum - Join a supportive forum where women share symptoms, experiences, treatments, and living with PMS.
DrDonnica.com - A lengthy article on what premenstrual syndrome is, with a look at the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and the doctors top ten tips for management.
InteliHealth - Premenstrual Syndrome - What PMS is, its symptoms, what your doctor looks for, diagnosis, expected duration, prevention, treatment, when to call a professional, prognosis, and additional resources.
Premenstrual Syndrome and Neurofeedback - Information, articles, and case histories on the use of neurofeedback to treat premenstrual syndrome.
Antidote for Premenstrual Syndrome ( PMS ) - Elizabeth Smith, MD reviews the most recent research on the cause of Premenstrual Syndrome, and John Lee, MD's success in treating PMS.