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What is PMS?
What are the symptoms of PMS?
How is PMS treated?
Medications in severe cases
What is PMS?
PMS is a group of
symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. They usually occur a week or two
before the period starts and end when the period starts. PMS may be mild,
moderate, or severe. PMS ends when menopause begins. Some women may be more
sensitive than others to the changing hormone levels of the menstrual cycle. The
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that up to 40%
of menstruating women experience at least some symptoms of PMS. A more severe
form of PMS is called
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
PMS can cause both
emotional and physical symptoms:
- Breast swelling and
tenderness
- Restless sleep
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach,
bloating, and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Appetite changes
- Headache
- Body aches
- Irritability
- Mood swings or
crying spells
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty
concentrating
How is PMS treated?
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy foods
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid smoking
- Use stress
management techniques such as taking deep breaths, exercising, laughing, or
doing relaxation exercises
- Avoid excess salt,
sugar, caffeine, and alcohol when you have symptoms
- Take a daily
multivitamin that includes 400 mcg of folic acid
- Try a calcium
supplement with vitamin D
In more severe cases of PMS,
certain medications may be used:
- Diuretics
- Ibuprofen
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
For more information:
womenhealth.gov
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