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1. What is premenstrual syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms (physical and psychological) that regularly occur before the start of menses, or the menstrual flow. Up to 80% of women in childbearing age suffer from PMS. Those between the ages of 30 and 40 are most often affected.
2. What are the symptoms of PMS?
PMS includes a variety of symptoms that can vary with each woman in quality and intensity. The most common are breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headache, intestinal disturbances, fatigue, swelling, nervousness, anxiety and mood changes. In all, over 100 symptoms are associated with PMS.
3. Why does pain occur before menses?
The pain women that women feel when suffering from PMS is caused by hormonal variations that take place before the start of menses. Before the menstrual cycle begins, the levels of other hormonal substances (endorphins) also vary, increasing the perception of pain. Endorphins work like natural analgesics.
4. Should a woman undergo examinations to determine whether she suffers from PMS?
No. Examinations are not necessary. The symptoms of PMS are easily recognized because they occur regularly each month. Generally, a woman can recognize them when they return.
5. Is PMS a psychological disorder?
PMS is associated with hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, so that it cannot really be defined as a psychological disorder. However, it is often accompanied by psychological symptoms such as aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, changes in libido and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can also be quite intense in nature. When depression is acute, it is associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD). But this happens in only 3--8% of cases.
6. Is PMS a serious disorder?
No. PMS is not a serious disorder. However, it can be annoying and debilitating. Sometimes the pain is intense and can interfere with daily activities.
7. What is dysmenorrhea?
The term "dysmenorrhea" indicates painful menses, or menstrual flow, accompanied by frequent, intense and acute pain. It is a very common disorder, sometimes referred to as “cramps.” There are two types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the more common of the two. Menses is painful, and the pain is present only during the days of the menstrual cycle. Secondary dysmenorrhea is less common and is a symptom of other disorders of the female reproductive system.
8. Can menstrual pain be prevented?
Yes. Menstrual pain is recurrent and returns each month. To prevent the pain, the habits that can trigger or exacerbate it should be identified and avoided. For example, it may be useful to follow a healthy diet, get regular physical exercise and reduce stress.
9. Which medications are indicated for treating menstrual pain?
The most common medications for treating primary dysmenorrhea are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These agents inhibit the production of prostaglandins, the substances that stimulate contraction of uterine muscles during menses.
10. Are there also nondrug therapies that can relieve menstrual discomfort?
Yes. The most common complementary alternative therapies are acupuncture and transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS).
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