PMS and Menstrual Disorders

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common conditions that affect up to three out of four women at some point in their life.

These conditions are associated with symptoms related to menstrual periods and can include the following:

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Depression
• Acne
• Insomnia
• Food Cravings
• Irritability
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Memory loss

PMS symptoms are often expected by most women and they tend to disappear as soon as your menstrual cycle begins. Chronic symptoms and symptoms of PMDD can and should be treated professionally. There is no official diagnosis of these conditions, but if they are affecting your ability to function in your everyday life, they can be considered serious.

Chronic PMS and PMDD can be treated through a variety of solutions. Modifying natural behavior is often the most effective treatment which includes exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, dealing with stress and not smoking. In severe cases of PMS, prescription medicine or birth control pills may often help relieve these symptoms. For treatment of PMDD, anti-depressants or counseling may be prescribed.

Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders can turn your monthly period from a minor inconvenience into a major, debilitating condition. These disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms and can severely disrupt your daily life for days or weeks at a time.

Menstrual cycle disorders can cause symptoms such as:

• Heaving bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Missed periods
• Mood swings

These symptoms are characteristic of several different menstrual disorders including:

Abnormal uterine bleeding

• Amenorrhea
• Fibroids
• Dysmenorrhea
• PMS
• PMDD

While these disorders are not usually serious, they are often painful. Fortunately, treatment methods are usually successful in relieving these symptoms to make that time of the month less significant.