Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition which affects nearly 4 out of every 5 women between the ages of 29 and 44, some at a much higher level than others.  During the week to two weeks before the onset of the monthly menses, the sufferer will be increasingly unable to function, will have both physical and emotional symptoms, and will be told that there is nothing which will help medically.  In fact, she may even be informed that she is suffering from hypochondria and needs to get over it.  Other common responses to the condition, now that it has a name, are attempts at humor about the effects which PMS has on women and those around them.

 

PMS Causes

 

Premenstrual syndrome is a set of symptoms which have baffled the doctors to some extent.  It obviously has to due with the menstrual cycle, but precisely why is currently unknown.  The current information seems to indicate that PMS is a result of an imbalance between the two hormones estrogen and progesterone.  There is still a common alternative view that the syndrome is psychosocial in nature since different societies manifest the symptoms in different ways.

 

PMS Symptoms

 

Common symptoms of PMS include both emotional and physical symptoms.  The woman may suffer from irritability, anger, weeping, inability to sleep, inability to perform commonplace duties in the home or workplace.  She may be unable to concentrate, may be extremely fatigued and may find significant changes in normal eating and appetite patterns.

 

During the one to two week space between the time of ovulation and the onset of the monthly flow, she may gain several pounds in water weight, have swollen wrists and ankles, feel bloated around the midriff.  She will often have headaches, sometimes even at migraine level.

 

Some conditions which are not related to PMS may worsen during this time.  Examples are allergies, infections, acne, and irritable bowel syndrome.