Pre Menstrual Syndrome and Depresssion!

    Premenstrual Syndrome is a set of emotional and physical symptoms that are faced by menstruating women

    11- 12 days before the start of their menstruation. The symptoms disappear as the menstruation occurs 

    and or persist for one or two days during cycle.

    The actual cause of premenstrual syndrome is not yet confirm but usually it is related to some hormonal changes

    in the brain, different women respond to these changes differently.

    Women between 20- 40yrs, with atleast 1 baby and a family history of depression are more prone to have

    Premenstrual syndrome.

    SYMPTOMS:

     MAJOR PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE :

    1- Breast tenderness

    2-Food cravings

    3-Decreased tolerance to noises.

    4 Abdominal fulness and bloating

    5-Body swelling and weight gain 

    6-confusion

    7-Lack of concentration

    8-Anxiety

    9- Mood swings

    10- Sleep disturbance

    11- Feelings of guild and poor self image because of depression

    12-Fatigue

    Diagnosis: There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of Premenstrual syndrome. It is confirmed on

      clinical signs and complete previous menstrual history.

    TREATMENT: 

    There is no specific treatment for premenstrual syndrome. Only symptomatic treatment and dietary care 

    is advised.

    1-Drinl a lot of water and jiuces

    2- Avoid soft drinks and caffeing containing beverages.

    3- Take small meals at a duration of 3-4 hours.

    4- Eat low salt diet

    5- Do aerobic exercise to decrease symptoms

    6- Can take medicine for severe insomnia.

    7-Pain killers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can be taken for breast tendermess, leg cramps and backache.

    8- Anti-depressants- most useful ate SSRI’’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

    9- Anti- anxiety drugs can be given for severe anxiety.