Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that appear during the second phase of the cycle, generally between ovulation and menstruation. It is caused by hormonal changes in the cycle.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms vary between individuals but the most common symptoms are:
- irritability
- anxiety
- difficulties in concentrating
- agitation
- intense fatigue
- anger
- symptoms of abdominal bloating
- tension in the breasts (mastodynia)
- headaches
- lower back pain
- cramps, edema
- an irresistible urge to eat
How is PMS treated?
Before any treatment, the doctor will make a careful evaluation of the symptoms and will pro-ceed to a detailed hormonal assessment in the second part of the cycle. In the second phase of the cycle, estrogen secretion decreases and progesterone secretion increases and then drops.
The emotional center in the limbic system contains hormone receptors. These hormonal variations have a direct action on emotions.
