| Reproductive Health
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent condition of women, characterised by troublesome symptoms 7-14 days before menstruation. Typical symptoms include: decreased energy level, tension, irritability, depression, headache, altered sex drive, breast pain, backache, abdominal bloating, and oedema of the fingers and ankles. Severe PMS, with depression, irritability and extreme mood swings, is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
What Causes Premenstrual Syndrome?
Although there is a wide spectrum of symptoms, there are common hormonal patterns among PMS patients compared to women who have no symptoms of PMS. The primary finding is that oestrogen levels are elevated and plasma progesterone levels are reduced 5-10 days before menses, or the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone is increased. In addition to this hormonal abnormality, hypothyroidism and/or elevated prolactin levels are common.
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