PMS

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PMS

• Kim Bartlein
• Kristen Kessenich
• Shana Danube
• Carly Chrouser
• Michelle Taczala

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PMS aka

• Premenstrual distress
• Congestive dysmenorrhea
• Pelvic congestion syndrome
• Toxemia of menstruation
• Premenstrual syndrome

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Something to think about

• Do you think that PMS is real or made-up by
  society?
• Real
• Made-up

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Something to think about

• Can you name any positive symptoms associated
  with PMS?
• Creativity
• Heighten senses (hearing, vision, and sight)
• Heightens sexual receptiveness

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Premenstrual Syndrome

• What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
• PMS is the name of a group of symptoms that start
  7 to 14 days before your period (menstruation).

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Symptoms

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Tension and anxiety
• Mood swings and irritability or anger
• Joint or muscle pain
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Crying spells
• Depressed mood

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Statistics of affected women

• 70 to 90 percent of menstruating women experience
  some form of PMS
• Those with PMS symptoms are usually in their 20s
  or 30s
• For 30 to 40 percent of women, the physical pain
  and emotional stress from PMS are severe enough
  to effect their daily routines
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more
  severe form of PMS with depressive tendencies

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Possible Factors

• Chemical changes in the brain (insufficient
  amount of serotonin) causing fatigue, food
  cravings, and sleep problems
• Stress
• Low levels of vitamins and minerals
• Fluid retention caused by eating salty foods and
  drinking alcohol and/or caffiene

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Cyclical changes

• Keep a record of your signs and symptoms on a
  calendar or in a diary for at least two menstrual
  cycles
• Note the day you first notice symptoms appear and
  disappear
• Mark the day your period started

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Commonly prescribed medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve
• Oral contraceptives to stop ovulation
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs, Prozac, Paxil, and
  Zoloft
• Medroxyprogesterone acetate to temporarily stop
  ovulation

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Personal remedies

• Modify your diet
• Eat smaller portions more frequently
• Monitor salt intake
• Choose foods high in complex carbohydrates
  (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Choose foods rich in calcium
• Take multivitamin supplements
• Avoid high intake of caffeine and alcohol

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Personal remedies cont

• Incorporate aerobic activity for at least 30 to
  60 minutes most days of the week
• Reduce stress level
• Get plenty of sleep
• Identify the triggers and timing of your symptoms
  to find strategies to lessen them

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In conclusion

• Although no one knows for sure, research has
  shown that PMS may be linked to hormonal changes
• If you have symptoms that persist even after
  trying home remedies, you may want to consult
  your personal physician

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Sources and resources

• www.nlm.nih.gov
• Biology of Women textbook
• Counseling and Health Center located in room
  SS1400 or by phone [phone]

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Questions?