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Getting to Know Premenstrual Syndrome

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.