women s health issues
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome
For PMS, a doctor's evaluation Sometimes standardized tests for depression For premenstrual dysphoric disorder, specific guidelines The diagnosis of PMS is based on symptoms. To identify PMS, doctors ask a woman to keep a daily record of her symptoms. This record helps the woman be aware of changes in her body and moods and helps doctors identify any regular symptoms and determine what treatment is best. If women have symptoms of Diagnosis , they may be given standardized tests for depression or be referred to a mental health care practitioner. However, doctors can usually distinguish PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder from mood disorders based on factors such as the timing of symptoms. If the symptoms disappear soon after the menstrual period begins, they are probably caused by PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder cannot be diagnosed until a woman has recorded her symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles. Doctors base the diagnosis on specific guidelines. The guidelines state that a woman must have a total of at least five of the symptoms that often occur in women with PMS (with at least one from each of the two lists below). The symptoms must include at least one of the following: Having changeable moods (for example, suddenly feeling sad and tearful) Being very irritable or angry or having more conflicts with other people Feeling very depressed or hopeless or being very critical of self Feeling anxious, tense, or on edge The symptoms must also include at least one of the following: A decreased interest in usual activities Difficulty concentrating Low energy or fatigue Noticeable changes in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings Problems sleeping (having problems going to or staying asleep or sleeping too much) Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control Physical symptoms that often occur in women with PMS (such as tender breasts) Also, the symptoms must have occurred for most of the previous 12 months, and they must be severe enough to interfere with daily activities and function. 