PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

• Variety of symptoms that some females experience
• Occurs before the menstrual period
• 2 weeks – couple days before period
• Some females never experience PMS

Symptoms

• Nervous tension, anxiety,   irritability, Bloating, weight gain, depression/mood swings, fatigue

Causes aren’t completely understood…

• More common in 30’s women
• Related to hormone imbalance
• Nutritional deficiency

Treatment

• Change in diet & exercise
• Serious cases
• Consult with doctor and follow the prescriptions exactly (eg: antidepressant drugs)

Dysmenorrhea

• Aka “menstrual cramps”
  • Painful contractions in the uterus
  • Usually mild – lasting several hours
  • More painful cramping lasting 1-2 days is normal

Treatment

• Light exercise
• OTC pain reliever can help (except aspirin!)
• Warm bath/heating pad may relax muscles

* Severe or persistent cramping may be an indication that medical attention is necessary*

Amenorrhea

• Lack of menstruation by age 16 or stopping of menstrual cycle in a female who previously menstruated
• Cause
  • Physical defects in sex organs
  • Diseases
    • Diabetes
    • Tumors
    • Infections
    • Lack of maturation of the endocrine system
  • Excessive athletic activities
  • Emotional distress
  • Eating disorders/starvation