Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a range of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that women can suffer up to two weeks before their period begins.1,2
Doctors are still unsure what causes PMS but it's been attributed to hormonal change, chemicals called neurotransmitters, hormone-like prostaglandins, diet and lifestyle.2
PMS often increases at times of hormonal change, for example, puberty, childbirth, after miscarriage or pregnancy termination or changes in contraception.1
Women aged 30 to 45 years often experience most severe PMS.1
Although most women learn to deal with PMS, about one in 20 women find their symptoms interfere with day-to-day living.1
Around three to five percent of women of reproductive age may be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability can make life very difficult.1
References
- National Association for Premenstrual symptoms www.pms.org.uk
- Premenstrual syndrome – Clinical Review Irene Kwan and Joseph Loze Onwude
(http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ceweb/conditions/woh/0806/0806.jsp#Q1)
