Premenstrual Syndrome – the term used for the physical and emotional symptoms many women experience before their periods each month – appears to be caused by cyclic changes in hormones and possibly fluctuating levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Although many physicians acknowledge that certain foods (especially salty foods) and beverages (alcohol and caffeinated drinks, for example) may make symptoms like bloating and moodiness worse, there isn’t a whole lot beyond that that’s known for sure about PMS. “It’s difficult to do clinical studies on PMS because such studies aren’t funded very often,” states Vivian Yeh, MD, a Doylestown Hospital obstetrician/ gynecologist. “The biggest difference between today and ten years ago is that women are talking about PMS more and are actively seeking ways to improve their symptoms.”
Dr. Yeh cautions that PMS-like symptoms severe enough to send a woman in for an appointment are not automatically assumed to be PMS. “We may investigate other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, or thyroid problems before we conclude that PMS is the culprit,” she explains. “Once we zero in on PMS, I often advise the patient to keep a symptom diary for three months and then come in to discuss the trends that have emerged.”
Be proactive for greater relief
According to Dr. Yeh, charting
symptoms helps a woman be proactive
in dealing with her specific situation.
For example, if emotions run
especially high (or low) during a
predictable three or four days of the
month, Dr. Yeh may advise a woman
to mark her calendar and plan to
kick back a little during that time –
go out to lunch instead of brown-bagging-
it, exercise more, or make a
date to do something with a friend.
What can be done, though, if heightened awareness and advance planning fall short of what’s needed to get through a stressful time? “For some women, PMS is a misery that profoundly affects their lives and the lives of those around them. When that’s the case, we may consider prescription medication if non-medicinal therapies haven’t yielded the desired results. But finding what works,” adds Dr. Yeh, “is a very individualized process. There is no magic pill for PMS, but there are definitely things a woman can do to get more out of life all month long.”
Dr. Vivian Yeh is with Doylestown Women’s Health Center.
