PMS: A common condition

Talk with your doctor if you feel that the symptoms of PMS are interfering with your life.

It's that time of the month again… do you feel like bursting into tears? Being depressed and irritable before your period could mean you have premenstrual syndrome–don't worry, you're not alone!

It' s that time of the month, and you feel miserable. You have cramps. Your face has more pimples than your teenage daughter's. You burst into tears when your two-year-old starts exploring the kitchen cabinets.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. Around 85% of menstruating women have at least one symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) each month. Most of these symptoms are fairly mild. However, a small percentage of women have a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that women experience during their menstrual cycle. These symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before your period, and generally go away after your period starts. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

• Bloating and weight gain
• Crying spells
• Breast tenderness
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Poor concentration
• Headache
• Food cravings
• Depression
• Irritability
• Abdominal cramps

You may have other symptoms of PMS. Talk with your doctor if you feel these symptoms are interfering with your life.

What causes PMS?

That's a good question. Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes PMS. It probably has something to do with hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle. Some women are affected more than others by their hormone levels.

I'm stressed. Is that causing my PMS?

Probably not. Stress and other emotional problems do not seem to cause PMS. However, they can make it worse. If you think stress is making you feel worse just before and during your period, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest ways to deal with your stress and make your PMS symptoms less severe.

Is there anything I can do?

There are lots of things you can try to make yourself feel better during PMS. No one treatment works for every woman, so you may have to try several before you find the best one for you. Here are some things you can try:

• Take a multivitamin daily
• Try to get some exercise every day
• Eat a healthy diet
• Eliminate salt, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol from your diet
• Get plenty of sleep every night
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress
• If you smoke, quit
• Try an over-the-counter pain relief, such as aspirin or paracetamol

If none of these treatments work for you, your doctor may suggest you take birth control pills. This could help you to have fewer PMS symptoms.

Certain supplements also may help with the symptoms of PMS. However, these are not without side effects. Talk with your doctor before you begin taking any of the following:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E

What is PMDD?

PMDD is much like PMS, only the symptoms are more severe. If you have PMDD, you may have severe depression, irritability and tension before your period. Other symptoms include the following:

• Feelings of anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Moodiness or frequent crying
• Having trouble sleeping
• Lack of interest in activities or relationships
• Problems focusing on daily life
• Binge eating
• Feeling overwhelmed

These symptoms may interfere with your relationships and your work. You can talk with your doctor to find out whether you have PMDD.

What causes PMDD?

As with PMS, no one really knows the cause of PMDD. And like PMS, it's probably related to hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. However, some researchers have found a link between some cases of PMDD in women who have major depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, not all women who have PMDD have major depression or SAD.

How will my doctor know if I have PMDD?

There is no test to determine whether you have PMDD. However, if you keep a symptom diary, calendar or chart, your doctor will be able to relate your symptoms to your menstrual cycle. If you have symptoms that you feel are interfering with your life or relationships, talk with your doctor. Be as honest as you can, even if you are embarrassed by your symptoms–your doctor can only help you if you give him or her all the information.

Is there any way to treat PMDD?

If your symptoms are mild or moderate, you may be able to make some changes to your diet or lifestyle. Talking with a counselor about your symptoms and any stress you are under could also help.

What about medicines?

If your symptoms are severe, there are certain medicines you can take to treat PMDD. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can change serotonin levels in your brain, which can help to alleviate your symptoms. Certain types of birth control pills also may be used to treat PMDD.

Don't lose hope!

Most women experience some form of PMS, and most can find some relief from the therapies discussed here. Your doctor can help you figure out what will work for you. Talk with him or her honestly and openly, and you could be on your way to a healthier life.