Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual-syndrome
PMS refers to a syndrome characterized by the cyclical occurrence of somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, and emotional symptoms that worsen as menstruation approaches and these symptoms subside with the onset of menstrual flow.

• This pattern repeats itself in the second half of the menstrual cycle and affects various aspects of the woman's life.
• Almost every women with regular menstrual cycles experience some premenstrual symptoms.
• Over 150 symptoms have been associated with PMS.

We are going to list a few examples under each symptom.

** Somatic also called physical symptoms of PMS include**

1. Bloating
2. Breast tenderness or pain
3. Abdominal cramps
4. Headaches or migraines
5. Fatigue
6. Nausea
7. Dizziness
8. Acne or skin changes
9. Swelling of hands and feet
10. Increased appetite or food cravings
11. Weight gain
12. Constipation or diarrhea

Psychological symptoms of PMS
They include;

1. Restlessness
2. Mood swings
3. Anger or aggression
4. Depression or low mood
5. Sudden feelings of sadness or tearfulness
6. Anger or aggression Anxiety
7. Irritability
8. Difficulty concentrating
9. Forgetfulness
10. Changes in Libido
11. Increased stress or tension
12. Increased emotional sensitivity

Emotional symptoms of PMS
They include

1. Sudden mood swings
2. Frequent crying
3. Anger or short temper
4. Increased emotional sensitivity
5. Feelings of sadness or loneliness
6. Hopelessness
7. Anxiety
8. Depressed mood
9. Loss of interest in usual activities
   

Diagnostic Criteria for PMS
Inorder to diagnose someone of Premenstrual Syndrome you need these 4 things to be present. What are these 4, they include;

1.Symptoms occur cyclically in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

2.Symptom severity increases as the cycle progresses.

3.Symptoms are relieved with the onset of menstruation and subside by the third day of flow.

4.There must be a post-menstrual pain-free period lasting at least seven
days.

Management of PMS
The treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome is based on the symptom or symptoms the patient presents with and its severity. In managing pms,

1. You need to reassurance and education your patient on the nature of PMS.

2. Educate them on the need for lifestyle modifications. This includes reducing caffeine, alcohol, chocolate intake, and limiting sodium consumption.

3. Managing stress appropriate and performing aerobic exercise to improve their overall well-being.

4. Pharmacological options. This refers the medications that can be used to manage and relieve pain. They include;
   i. NSAIDs for pain relief.
   ii.Calcium carbonate and vitamins for symptom control.
   iii.Spironolactone for cyclic edema.
   iv. Anxiolytics for emotional symptoms when necessary.

Sources of images
1.https://www.doctorzara.com/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/
2.https://birthcontrol.com/blog/what-is-pms/
3.https://www.shutterstock.com/search/pms?image_type=vector
4.https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=949978573835922&id=100064713637391&set=a.626552946178488&locale=eo_EO&_rdc=1&_rdr#
5.https://www.shecares.com/wellness/managing-pms
6.https://www.pinkishe.org/blog-post/understanding-mood-changes-in-premenstrual-syndrome-pms

Remember you can't diagnose yourself of this syndrome because you have seen about 5 of the symptoms above you experience. You have to look at the Diagnostic Criteria before and if you have all 4 on the list then you can be said to have Premenstrual Syndrome
Thank you