PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms both physical and psychological that occur before menstruation.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and occur during the luteal phase (begin 7-14 days before the onset of menses) and disappear after the onset of menses.

Majority of women experience premenstrual syndrome but it is considered severe if it impairs work, relationships or usual activities.

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome

The cause of premenstrual syndrome remains unknown/unclear although changes in the hormonal level, Vitamin B6 and calcium deficiency have been suspected.

Signs and symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome presents with both physical and psychological symptoms as outlined below.

Psychological Symptoms: These are emotional and mental aspects affected by PMS, including irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulties in concentration.

Irritability: Feelings of annoyance, impatience, and mood disturbances.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
Tension: Increased stress levels and heightened emotional response.
Anxiety: Experiencing nervousness, unease, or a sense of impending doom.
Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy.
Inability to Concentrate: Difficulty focusing, poor attention, and mental fog.

Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of PMS, such as abdominal bloating, perceived weight gain, breast swelling, acne, headache, and migraines.

Abdominal Bloating: Swelling or feeling of fullness in the abdominal area.
Feeling of Weight Gain: Perceived increase in body weight, often due to fluid retention.
Swelling of Breasts: Breast tenderness and enlargement due to hormonal changes.
Acne: Skin breakouts and increased oiliness.
Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head.
Migraine: Severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.

Management of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A woman is considered to have PMS if her symptoms interfere with the activities of daily living.

Non-pharmacological Strategies

Diet:

Increase intake of vitamin B6, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, such as legumes and cereals.
Avoid consumption of caffeine.
Refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Reduce overall salt intake.
Educate patients about the benefits of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fats.
Encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Physical Exercises:

Engage in regular physical activities, including aerobic exercises and walking.
Encourage exercises to relieve bloating, irritability, and insomnia.

Education and Counseling:

Provide education about the causes, treatment, and prevention of PMS.
Offer counselling to address emotional aspects and coping mechanisms.

Stress Management:

Implement relaxation techniques and mental imagery to manage stress.

General Measures:

Educate the patient about premenstrual syndrome.
Encourage regular exercises to relieve bloating, irritability, and insomnia.
Advise a diet rich in carbohydrates, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in saturated fats.
Avoid caffeine to reduce breast tenderness and irritability.
Reduce the consumption of sugar, alcohol, and salt.
Restrict salt intake to decrease abdominal bloating and fluid retention.
Encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Advise patients who smoke to quit.

Pharmacological Strategies

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Use hormonal contraceptives to regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Antidepressants:

Consider selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (20 mg once daily) or paroxetine (20 mg once daily) if PMS presents with depression and anxiety symptoms.
Start SSRIs at the time of ovulation and stop on the first day of menses.
Monitor for side effects such as insomnia, fatigue, and loss of libido.

Diuretics:

Recommend diuretics, such as furosemide (20-40 mg), for patients with weight gain.
Spironolactone (50-100 mg daily for 7 days) may help reduce fluid retention.

Vitamins:

Consider Vitamin B6 (50-100 mg once daily) and calcium (600 mg twice daily) to reduce physical symptoms.

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PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME