$Unique_ID{BRK01464}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Is There Some Treatment For Premenstrual Syndrome?}
$Subject{PMS cause treatment}
$Volume{J-23, N-23}
$Log{
The Menstrual Cycle*0009101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Some Treatment For Premenstrual Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  There are times when I doubt that I can go on, for the problems
that come on just before my period are so disturbing, that I am unable to go
about my normal routine.  I am tired of seeing doctors who treat me as if it
is all in my head.  Surely there must be some treatment that can help.  Would
you please discuss this for me and offer me some help?

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ANSWER:  I had hope we were past the days when patients suffering with
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) were treated so casually.  After all the syndrome
was first described over 50 years ago and literally hundreds of articles have
been written about it.  As many as 70 percent to 90 percent of all women of
reproductive age experience some changes during the 10 to 14 days that precede
their period, even though only 20 percent to 40 percent have clinically
significant problems.  Still fewer, about 3.2 percent have truly severe
symptoms.  The difficulty lies in the fact that there is much confusion about
the causes for the syndrome, and the relationship of the hormone changes on
the mood and character changes that can occur.  As a first step in any therapy
the patient should be made to understand that this is a common problem for
women, and that she is not going mad.  If your present doctor won't sit down
with you and offer you the opportunity to explain your feelings and
experiences, than it is time to change physicians, for much of the treatment
strategy depends upon your personal feelings and perspectives.  A change in
diet, emphasizing whole fresh foods and grains, and avoiding highly processed
foods and those high in sugars is used at some treatment centers.  Eating
smaller meals at regular intervals, that are low in salt and caffeine is also
recommended.  And so is the addition of an exercise program.  There are a
number of symptom specific treatments for some of the problems including
headache, swelling and weight gain (edema), breast tenderness and anxiety.  In
each case the therapy should be individualized to your particular needs.
Medications may run a wide range from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDS) for pain, diuretics for edema, synthetic androgens (Danazol) for
breast tenderness, and antianxiety agents when deemed necessary.  Your job is
to find the right physician who can put all these therapies to work for you.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
