Premenstrual syndrome is also known as PMS. PMS can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms that occur just before a female gets her menstrual period. This includes mood swings, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. It is estimated that about three out of every four women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome.

There are two type of symptoms women may experience: emotional/behavioral symptoms and physical symptoms. The emotional/behavioral symptoms include tension or anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, mood swings and irritability or anger, appetite changes and food cravings, trouble falling asleep, social withdrawal, and poor concentration. The physical symptoms include joint or muscle pain, headache, fatigue, weight gain related to fluid retention, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, acne flare-ups, constipation or diarrhea.

Causes of premenstrual syndrome:

·       Depression. Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, though depression alone does not cause all of the symptoms.

·       Cyclic changes in hormones. Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear with pregnancy and menopause.

·       Chemical changes in the brain. Fluctuations of serotonin could trigger PMS symptoms. Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.

Treatment options

·       Hormonal contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives stop ovulation, which may bring relief from PMS symptoms.

·       Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Taken before or at the onset of your period, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) can ease cramping and breast discomfort.

·       Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) and others have been successful in reducing mood symptoms.

·       Diuretics. When exercise and limiting salt intake aren't enough to reduce the weight gain, swelling and bloating of PMS, taking water pills (diuretics) can help your body shed excess fluid through your kidneys.