PMS and ovarian cycle syndrome
What is pre-menstrual syndrome?
Almost all mature females will at some time experience unpleasant physical and mental changes at different stages of their menstrual cycle. Often these changes are most obvious in the days immediately before a period and improve dramatically once the period has begun. This is why the term pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is generally used to describe this occurrence. For the same reason many people call the psychological changes pre-menstrual tension (PMT).
However, these changes may be noticed at other times in the month and a more accurate name for the problem is ovarian cycle syndrome. This reflects the fact that there is a continual change in hormone production from the ovaries throughout the whole menstrual cycle.
Today's women might take some heart from the fact that this condition was described as long ago as 400BC by Hippocrates, the Greek physician.
Symptoms
A wide variety of symptoms — physical, psychological and behavioural — may occur. Breast soreness, a general ‘bloated’ feeling, swelling of the ankles, pains in the lower abdomen and clumsiness are all quite common physical symptoms. Psychological effects include sleeping problems, change in appetite and sex drive, irritability, anxiety, tiredness and depression. Among the behavioural changes reported are absence from work, becoming ‘accident-prone’, mood swings and social withdrawal.
Treatment
Medicines
PMS does not occur before puberty, after the menopause, or during pregnancy. That means women who are not ovulating do not experience it. The use of hormone tablets, such as the contraceptive pill, which suppress ovulation are very helpful.
Other medicines may also be helpful, depending on your symptoms. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to help with cramping and breast discomfort, antidepressants for depression and diuretics (‘water pills’), which may help reduce fluid build up (fluid retention). Your doctor will advise you on which medicines are suitable for you.
Vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations
Vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin E, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and herbal preparations such as black cohosh and evening primrose oil have been found by some women to be helpful in relieving PMS symptoms. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of some of the preparations available for PMS symptoms is limited.
Lifestyle changes
Dietary changes can reduce the symptoms of PMS. If sore breasts are a problem, reducing tea and coffee intake, reducing fat intake and eating complex carbohydrates (e.g. wholegrain cereals) may help. Reducing salt intake will help with the bloated feeling caused by fluid retention.
Regular physical activity is important as it may reduce fatigue and depression. Reducing stress can also help women with PMS. Trying relaxation exercise or techniques and ensuring you get plenty of sleep may help reduce your stress levels.
PMS causes much distress to many women and their families every month. Although it may not be possible to entirely eliminate these unpleasant sensations, much can often be done to improve them.
Last Reviewed: 20 January 2010
- 1. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosphy. Hippocrates [website]. Updated 2005. http://www.iep.utm.edu/hippocra/ (accessed August 2010).
2. Mayo Clinic. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) [website]. Updated Dec 2009. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/premenstrual-syndrome/DS00134/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all (accessed August 2010).
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Premenstrual syndrome [website]. March 2010. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp057.cfm (accessed August 2010).
4. The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health. Fact sheet. Premenstrual syndrome [website]. Updated May 2010. http://www.healthforwomen.org.au/content/view/34/63/ (accessed August 2010).
