Tuesday, 8 September 2015

Premenstrual syndrome

What is PMS?
The vast majority of women of childbearing age experience a series of physical and / or psychological the days before the start of menstruation . For most women, the symptoms are mild and do not interfere with their daily lives. But for a small percentage of women, the symptoms are so serious that they are very afraid to go through this time of the month.
There are about one hundred recognized symptoms that may be due to PMS, but fortunately, most women experience only a few. The most common symptoms are:
None of these symptoms appear only in the SPM because they can be associated with other diseases such as symptoms depression , hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone). However, the symptoms of PMS have a clear relationship to the start and end of menstruation.
  • Irritability
  • Humor changes
  • Loss of nerve easily
  • Loss of confidence
  • Tearfulness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Lack of concentration
  • Sadness
  • Breast pain
  • Abdominal distension
  • Weight gain
  • Leg edema
  • Headaches and migraines
How does a woman with PMS?
The blood and urine are often useful to rule out any conditions that present similar symptoms to PMS. However, there are no laboratory tests that can diagnose PMS.
The diagnosis of PMS is based on the type of symptoms (as mentioned above) and the special moment when they occur (before menstruation only). Most women with PMS have a gradual worsening of their symptoms during the week before menstruation with a gradual and rapid disappearance of the same when menstruation comes. This does not always happen, and sometimes the symptoms persist during the period and even one or two days after completion.
The diagnosis of PMS can only be done by developing a journal where the type of symptoms, their severity and their variation during the menstrual cycle are collected. This data collection should be done at least three consecutive months. The diagnosis of PMS is usually performed when symptoms at least ten days a month do not appear.
Know more
Do you want to know more? See our 'section Women's Health 'in' Menstruation 'and' First woman 'numerous articles related.
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What causes PMS?
It is not known for sure what causes this syndrome. Most doctors believe it is caused by fluctuating levels of female hormones that occurs after ovulation. These fluctuations can lead directly to some of the physical symptoms of the syndrome, such as bloating. The sufridoras a PMS may have a low level of certain brain chemicals (serotonin) which can not explain some of the physical symptoms of the syndrome, such as irritability, depression and mood swings.
PMS is not caused by any underlying abnormality in the internal female genitalia, or is caused by a hormonal defect.
PMS understand well is the first step to overcome the disease.
When should a woman be?
Recognize that their symptoms are due to an SPM is an essential first step. For most women, the symptoms are only a minor annoyance that can be recognized, anticipated and accepted by themselves. These women can seek advice from their doctors, but they no specific treatment is necessary.
However, for a minority of women, PMS is severe enough to affect their quality of work and personal life. It is understandable and commendable that these women visit their doctors to seek treatment for their ills.
What treatments are available?
Confirm the diagnosis and propose the goals is the first step to take. There are many treatments for PMS, most of which offer a short-term benefit, but few provide relief beyond a few months. The reason for this is the "placebo effect." A placebo is a treatment that has little effectiveness, but that makes the patient gets better because of the confidence he has in such treatment. It is well known that patients with most diseases (including PMS) perceive an improvement in their ailments with placebo treatment, at least initially.
To prove that a treatment is better than a placebo serious scientific studies are required. Not all PMS treatments have undergone a rigorous evaluation study.
The visit to the doctor is the first step which should give a woman suffering from PMS. Discuss with your doctor the inconvenience caused by the SPM may be sufficient. In other cases, aid should focus more on family planning center. Severe cases, or those who do not respond to simpler treatments, should be referred to a gynecologist and / or psychiatrist / psychologist, depending on the type of symptoms that women present.
Treatment will depend on the nature of the symptoms and their severity. For women who have only minor discomfort, a change in diet, lifestyle, reduction or elimination of Alcohol , coffee and snuff can be enough to improve your symptoms and make them more bearable. The general practitioner can give a precise guidance on these changes.
Medical treatments vary their effects and effectiveness. The following treatments were used in the SPM more or less effectively.
Vitamin B6
The Vitamin B6 is known as pyridoxine. It is commonly recommended for mood swings and irritability. Studies of its use for mild symptoms, but it is important not to take in high doses. You should consult with your doctor before starting treatment.
Evening primrose oil
These capsules are used when breast pain is the main symptom.
Bromocriptine and cabergoline
These drugs are also used for breast pain. They need a prescription.
Diuretics
They can improve leg edema. Bloating is not relieved, which is not caused by fluid retention, but for relaxation and relaxation of the muscles of the bowel wall. They must be prescribed by a physician and should only take a few days a month, at the lowest possible dose.
Antidepressants
They are currently in use more antidepressants called IRS (inhibitors serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac in the treatment of severe PMS, when the symptoms are mainly depression, mood swings, irritability etc. The results are good and often are supported by rigorous scientific studies; however, the side effects can be a problem. The visit to the general, gynecologist or psychiatrist is essential before starting this treatment.
Nonhormonal therapies Progestagens
They are a type of female hormone that is usually taken 10 to 14 days before the start of menstruation. Progestogens are widely prescribed for PMS and have relatively few side effects. It is thought that PMS could be due to reduced blood levels of progesterone, but currently this claim has not been scientifically proven. Some women find an improvement in their symptoms over a short period of time and when they are mild. However, there are no scientific studies proving that these hormones are beneficial for the treatment of PMS.
Oral contraceptives (OC)
They are often prescribed for the treatment of PMS, especially if the woman requires contraception . The ACO inhibit ovulation and reduce the natural fluctuations in female hormones during the menstrual cycle , which seem to play an important role in the development of PMS. Unfortunately, some women develop this syndrome while taking ACO due to the hormones in the pills. Although it seems logical to use ACO in the SPM, there is little scientific evidence that their use is entirely beneficial.
Danazol
It is a synthetic hormone derived from male hormones. Its use in the SPM is backed by scientific studies, but because of its adverse effects is an extended treatment. Your prescription must be in low doses, and still is not tolerated by many women. This treatment should always be prescribed by a physician. Because of its effects on pregnancy, avoid use during pregnancy .
Estrogens
The use of estrogen (a female hormone) in women can suppress ovulation and reduce hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. There is scientific evidence supporting its use in PMS. It must be used under medical supervision and in low doses. It must be associated with a progestogen for at least 10 days before menstruation.
GnRH analogues
They are potent drugs that inhibit the function of the pituitary gland (which regulates the menstrual cycle). Produce menopause temporary and reversible, by inhibiting the function of the ovaries. These drugs should be prescribed by gynecologists and their use should not exceed 6 months. GnRH analogues can be used to confirm the diagnosis of PMS. They should be used only in cases of severe PMS who do not respond to other treatments.
 
Progestin IUD
This device is an intrauterine contraceptive that contains a small dose of progestin which is released gradually. For many women, this type of device reduces the amount and duration of its rules and sometimes slight improvement SPM. There is no evidence of use in the SPM. This device can be used in combination of estrogen treatments (for example patches)
Hormonal treatments Surgery
It is indicated for a minority of patients who have severe PMS. It includes the removal of the ovaries and the end of the reproductive period of women with subsequent entering
menopause. This step should always be weighed carefully, and the woman should be advised by a gynecologist to raise another type of treatment (eg GnRH analogues).

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