$Unique_ID{BRK00781} $Pretitle{} $Title{Does Premenstrual Syndrome Occur Only With Crampy and Painful Periods?} $Subject{premenstrual stress PMS mental emotional gland glands hormone ill defined symptom symptoms Genitourinary depression irritability nervousness agitation insomnia fatigue diuretic water pill counseling stress reduction program hormones birth control pills tranquilizers} $Volume{E-22,N-14} $Log{ The Ovaries*0002909.scf The Menstrual Cycle*0009101.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Does Premenstrual Syndrome Occur Only With Crampy and Painful Periods? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: When I am about to have my period, I know it because I get tired, depressed and just can't sleep. And it always seems worse when I am under some type of stress at work. I think I have Premenstrual Syndrome, but my girl friend says that only comes when your periods are crampy and painful. Can you help us clear up this difference in opinions? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: It may be easier to clear up your conflicting viewpoints than it is to deal with your condition, which seems to be Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The symptoms of this condition may vary greatly from individual to individual, but usually include depression, irritability, nervousness, agitation, insomnia and fatigue. Any type of mood alteration may occur, and recent research reveals that stressful conditions at work or at home can increase the severity of the symptoms, and so your symptoms may change from month to month depending upon conditions. However your girl friend is wrong about the symptoms of cramps and pain that may start with the flow of menses. That is called dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, and does not have to be present to make a diagnoses of PMS, although it is common in women with PMS and begins during their teens and diminishes with age. However PMS may start in the teens and twenties, and seems to increase in severity with the passing years. Dealing with the symptoms of the condition depends upon the causes, which may be many and complicated. If there is an evident increase of weight due to fluid retention, cutting back on salt and the use of a diuretic (water pill) may be helpful. In your case, you might consider counseling, and a stress reduction program seems indicated. Some women respond to the use of hormones and birth control pills, while still others may require the use of mild tranquilizers, when other methods fail to control the symptoms during this time of the month, and when their life style is markedly disturbed. ---------------- 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.