gynecology and obstetrics
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Introduction
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent luteal-phase disorder characterized by irritability, anxiety, emotional lability, depression, edema, breast pain, and headaches, occurring during the 5 days before and usually ending a few hours after onset of menses. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of PMS. Diagnosis is clinical, often based on the patient’s daily recording of symptoms. Treatment is symptomatic and includes diet, medications, and counseling. About 20 to 50% of women of reproductive age have PMS; about 5% have a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 