Monday, July 14, 2003

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is now widely recognised as a medical condition that affects some women of childbearing age in many ways.
Premenstrual Syndrome is related to menstrual hormones and can present itself with physical and psychological symptoms.

There are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS and the number and type of symptoms suffered varies from person to person. The severity of the symptoms can also vary each month. Among the most commonly experienced are:

bloating, headaches, irritability
weight gain, skin problems, mood swings & depression
aggression, fatigue, breast tenderness
poor concentration, tearfulness, the feeling of being misunderstood

Others include:

tension, anger, anxiety, panic attacks, mental confusion, sinus problems, asthma, epilepsy, styes, acne, alcohol abuse, craving for sweet things, binge eating and backache.