Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Overview
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Causes
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medications
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Effective Treatments
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Overview
Premenstrual syndrome (known as PMS) involves a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms tied to a woman’s menstrual cycle. By definition, symptoms occur during the days before a woman's period starts. They usually go away after the first day or two of flow.
PMS is a complex health concern. Up to 80% of women experience some symptoms of PMS. Scientists cannot agree on its cause or the best way to treat PMS.
- PMS usually occurs in women in their fourth and fifth decades of life (aged 30-49 years). For a small number of women, it can be severely incapacitating. A woman who has had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may still experience PMS if at least one ovary remains.
- Because many different processes may contribute to PMS, methods of treatment vary widely and can include medical and alternative approaches. Surgery is a last resort.
- As many as 3-8% of women may have a more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS and PMDD are not the same. Women with PMDD become seriously depressed for a week or more before their periods. PMS is shorter, usually milder, and involves more physical symptoms. The two may occur together, or a woman may have one and not the other.
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Premenstrual Syndrome »
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent luteal phase condition characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral changes of sufficient severity to result in deterioration of interpersonal relationships and normal activity.
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