Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur during the luteal phase, or the second half, of the menstrual cycle. PMS affects approximately 30-40% of women of reproductive age, though the severity and specific symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another
ClearMed Clinic offers specialised support and treatment options to help manage PMS, ensuring that you can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. We offer private PMS appointments with minimal wait times, ensuring you receive prompt answers and can begin the appropriate treatment plan quickly. With our extensive experience, we prioritise making you feel at ease throughout the entire consultation and procedure.
Your health is our priority
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Mood swings, irritability, feelings of depression, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity are prevalent. Women may also experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns.
Physical Symptoms
Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and fluctuations in appetite are common physical manifestations. Some women also report joint or muscle pain, acne flare-ups, and gastrointestinal disturbances
PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, affecting about 3-8% of women. PMDD is characterised by more intense emotional and psychological symptoms, including severe depression, irritability, and tension, which can significantly interfere with daily life and relationships.
Lifestyle Modifications
Dietary Adjustments: Reducing salt, caffeine, and sugar intake, while increasing the consumption of complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, can help manage symptoms.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, has been shown to alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms.
Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Pharmacological Treatments
Hormonal Therapies: The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) can stabilise hormonal fluctuations and alleviate symptoms for many women.
Transdermal estrogen with progesterone may be prescribed for those who cannot tolerate oral contraceptives or prefer a non-oral route.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These antidepressants can be very effective in managing the emotional and psychological symptoms of PMS and PMDD, particularly when mood disturbances are prominent.
GnRH Analogues: In severe cases, where symptoms are unresponsive to other treatments, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues may be used. These medications suppress ovarian hormone production, essentially inducing a temporary menopause. To counteract the side effects of hormone suppression, add-back hormone therapy is often given.
Surgical Interventions:
For women with PMDD or severe PMS who do not respond to medical management and have completed childbearing, a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) may be considered. This is a last-resort option, as it involves significant surgical risks and permanently ends menstruation and fertility.
Conclusion
PMS and PMDD are conditions that can have a significant impact on the quality of life. While many women can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies, others may require more intensive treatment. It’s essential for those affected to work closely with their healthcare provider to find the most effective management strategy
tailored to their individual needs.
We acknowledge the difficulties of managing PMS or PMDD concerns in primary healthcare and consulting with our Specialist Doctor for a customised approach is more effective, tailored to your individual needs
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