Clinical Roundup: How Do You Treat Premenstrual Syndrome in Your Practice? (original) (raw)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a complex syndrome of unclear etiology, can affect women's lives during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. 1 Physical, psychologic, and behavioral symptoms occur cyclically and manifest only with ovarian function. Up to 85% of women report premenstrual symptoms; however only 5%-10% report significant life impact and meet criteria for frank PMS. 1 Symptoms frequently include fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, gastrointestinal complaints, bloating, irritability, mood swings, anxiety/depression, and appetite changes. 1,2 Some women with more severe symptoms meet DSM-IV 3 criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).