Click Here to find out how to Cure Premenstrual Tension Naturally

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) used to be called Premenstrual Tension (PMT) and is a collection of approximately 150 symptoms that women have once a month just prior to having her menstrual flow of blood. The symptoms may be predictable each month but may vary in intensity. The symptoms usually start when the ova (egg) are released and stop shortly after the blood flows. A small percentage of women who have PMS have the symptoms so severely that they are said to have premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is a severe form of PMS. Women who have PMS have a great deal of difficulties with menses.

There are more than 150 different symptoms associated with PMS but the main ones are abdominal bloating, abdominal cramping, acne, stress or anxiety, aggression, insomnia, or trouble staying asleep, joint or muscle pain, headaches even migraines, crying spells, unpredictable bursts of anger, extreme mood swings. The onset of PMS symptoms may also make other medical conditions worse including skin disorders, respiratory problems, allergies, infections, or eye problems such as bulbar disturbances, conjunctivitis.

There are some risk factors that if you are aware of them and avoid them you may be able to decrease the intensity at which the symptoms are felt or you may be able to avoid the PMS symptoms altogether.

> Drinking or eating large quantities of caffeine

> Increasing age

> Having given birth

> Extreme Stress

> A History of depression

> Smoking

> Family history

> Lacking in proper diet

> Lacking in proper exercise

> Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals

It is difficult to make a diagnosis because there is no test to determine PMS. Basically the list of symptoms is what will help the doctor to diagnosis the diseases.

Certain conditions may be worse when PMS is present such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines and seizure disorders.

There are many different treatment that are designed to bring relief of the symptoms of PMS to those who suffer from it. The treatments include:

Hormonal intervention by using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Dietary reduction of caffeine, refined sugar and sodium intake from the diet at the same time that fiber is increased.

The individual must receive adequate amounts of sleep each night.

Exercise also helps especially aerobic exercise.

Vitamin and mineral supplements such as calcium supplements, Vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, tryptophan

Drugs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, and also nefadozone.

Some doctors prescribe hormonal replacement therapy such as combined oral contraceptive pill and the contraceptive patch, Progesterone support in the form of suppositories and vaginal creams.

Evening Primrose Oil, gamma-Linolenic acid and clonidine have been used with success.

There are a group of symptoms that can occur up to two weeks before a woman’s period is due that is called premenstrual syndrome. The symptoms start at ovulation and continue until the blood of menstruation starts. It is normal to feel some discomfort before your period starts, but when you experience symptoms that are so severe that they can stop you from functioning at work, school or home than you may have premenstrual syndrome. No two women who have PMS symptoms have the same symptoms or have the same intensity of these symptoms.

Common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are acne, back pain, bloating, change in your appetite or craving for food, constipation, crying spells, depression, feeling irritable, feeling tired, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, not being interested in sex, tense or anxious, tender and swollen breasts, trouble concentrating or focusing, trouble sleeping, swollen hands or feet, weight gain due to water retention.

There is no known cause for premenstrual syndrome although the symptoms have been linked to the changes in hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms can worsen due to stress or psychological problems experienced by the woman just prior to her period.

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms, when the symptoms occur and how they affect your ability to work, complete normal daily tasks. Your doctor will examine you, read your symptom journal if you kept one, ask you questions regarding your symptoms and rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the diagnosis, your symptoms, you’re eating habits and your exercise habits, and may make some lifestyle changes all of these things can have an impact on your PMS symptoms.

There are many ways to treat the symptoms of PMS including improving your diet, increasing your exercising and taking medications prescribed by your doctor that are designed to alleviate your symptoms. Vitamins may also help so supplements may be prescribed for you to take. If diet, exercise and lifestyle changes are not enough to make a difference in your PMS symptoms your doctor may prescribe some medications for you to take. Medications may include diuretics, antidepressants, and birth control pills.

Diuretics are used to ease the symptoms of bloating, breast pain, and abdominal pain and weight gain.
Antidepressants can help control severe irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Birth control pills may be prescribed to help even out your hormone levels, which may help control, your symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications that may help to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are over-the-counter medications that are labeled for PMS such as Midol, Pamprin and Premsyn PMS. You can also take over-the-counter medications that are for reducing pain such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Aleve. Any of these over-the-counter medications can work well.