Definition:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter. See also: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Alternative Names:
PMS
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
An exact cause of PMS has not been identified. However, it may be related to social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors. PMS is estimated to affect up to 75% of women during their childbearing years. It occurs more often in women: - Between their late 20s and early 40s
- Who have at least one child
- With a family history of a major depression
- With a history of postpartum depression or an affective mood disorder
The symptoms typically get worse in the late 30s and 40s as a woman approaches the transition to menopause. As many as 50 - 60% of women with severe PMS have an underlying psychiatric disorder (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
References:
Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap. 36 Yonkers KA, O'Brien PM. Premenstrual syndrome. Lancet. 2008:371(9619):1200-1210.
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