Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition faced by many a woman for a few days leading to the menstrual period. This syndrome is faced by millions of women worldwide and is characterized by different symptoms. While some women face the symptoms in relatively lesser degree, others find it debilitating. Nearly 3 of every 4 women would have faced some form of PMS at some point in time. Often PMS symptoms are noticed in women who are perimenopausal. The symptoms taper off once menopause sets in. PMS may be heriditary as it runs in families. The female hormone estrogen plays a significant role in water retention and blood sugar levels.
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are physical and psychological. These symptoms of PMS range from feelings of depression and uncontrollable crying to irritability and reduced libido. Women suffer from headache, migraine, food craings, fluid retention and abdominal bloating. PMS affects the quality of life of millions of women to an extent that they suffer panic attacks and paranoia. Breast tenderness, muscle pain, fatigue, mood swings and difficulty in concentration are other common symptoms of women suffering from pre menstrual syndrome. Many PMS sufferers also experience hypoglycemia.
In severe cases of premenstrual syndrome, diuretics, antidepressants or birth control pills are prescribed. Lifestyle changes are instrumental in managing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Avoiding excess salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol, especially prior to the menstrual period
- Supplements of multivitamins and minerals including folic acid and calcium
- Relaxation techniques such as yoga
- Seek social support
- Regular exercise such as aerobics, jogging or swimming
Anovulation
Anovulation indiacates a situation where a woman is unable to get pregnant as there is no release of ripened egg from the ovaries. While often a woman might have her menstrual periods, ovulation may not be taking place. Often anovulation is a major cause for infertility in women. Anovulation can occur due to stress, reaction from drugs, over-exercising or problems in endocrine system such as progesteron imbalance, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or ovarian failure. Other causes include excessive weight gain, anorexia or bulimia. A woman suffering from PCOS is also likely to suffer to anovulation. Symptoms of anovulation include amenorrhea, absense of PMS symptoms and hirsutism.
Various tests such as Thyroidfunction test, Adrenal function tesr, LH and FSH tests and prolactin test are conducted to check for possible causes of anovulation. It may be accompanied by pelvic ultrasound, CAT scan and MRI. Treatment with fertility drugs usually solves the problem of anovulation. These include Clomiphene, Gonadotropin and Pergonal. The woman is required to maintain good body weight with right diet and exercise.
Fibromyalgia
FMS (Fibromyalgia syndrome) is characterized by muscular pain all over the body. The muscles tend to twitch and burn. The muscles, tendons and ligaments feel extremely fatigued and overworked. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome lead us to believe that these two conditions may be similar. Persons suffering from Fibromyalgia syndrome experience deep throbbing and stabbing pain that is worse in the mornings.
Patients feel totally drained of energy and face sleep disorders too. There is difficulty in concentrating and focusing. Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia syndrome are Irritable Bowel Syndrome and recurrent migraine or tension headaches. Women suffering from Fibromyalgia syndrome experience painful periods and severe PMS symptoms. Stress, depression and hormonal fluctuations can aggravate the symptoms.
As in the case of CFS, the actual cause of FMS remains elusive but certain infections or imbalances tend to trigger off the syndrome. Alterations in the levels of serotonin or immune system function can be possible causes. Improved quality of sleep can go a long way in improving the condition. Medications are given so as to boost the body's levels of serotonin and neurotransmitters that module sleep as well as the pain and immune system function. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed.
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