Cigarette smoking increases risk of PMS?

Moderate to severe symptoms affect approximately 20% of premenopausal women. A recent study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (2008) explored whether or not smoking cigarettes is involved in the etiology of premenstrual syndrome (Bertone-Johnson et al, 2008).

Conclusions:

"Results suggest that smoking, especially in adolescence and young adulthood, may increase risk of moderate to severe PMS. These findings may provide an additional incentive for young women to avoid cigarette smoking."

Reference:

Bertone-Johnson ER, Hankinson SE, Johnson SR, Manson JE. Cigarette smoking and the development of premenstrual syndrome. Am J Epidemiol. 2008 Oct 15;168(8):938-45. Epub 2008 Aug 13.

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Could your dry eyes be related to your menstrual cycle?

Dry eyes are a very common symptom among many women today. New research suggests that dry eyes may be related to to women's monthly cyclical changes in hormone levels, in particular, related to their estrogen levels. This research suggests that the estrogen peak (seen above) which occurs during the follicular phase is associated with impairment of tear production resulting in ocular dryness and inflammation.

References:

Versura P, Fresina M, Campos EC. Ocular surface changes over the menstrual cycle in women with and without dry eye. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007 Jul;23(7):385-90.

How can I tell if I have PMS?

According the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you may have PMS if

Your PMS symptoms occur only during the last two weeks of your cycle.
the symptoms are sufficiently uncomfortable to impair your quality of life.
other disorders that may be mistaken for PMS have been excluded.

If you suspect you have PMS, ACOG recommends keeping a daily log of your symptoms for two or three consecutive months to help in diagnosis. It’s important to talk with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression, migraine headaches, seizure disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or allergies.

What are the risks of PMD and PMDD?

PMS and PMDD are not mere inconveniences. These conditions can adversely impact a woman’s personal, professional, and financial success. Women suffering from PMS are at increased risk of depression, absenteeism from work, strained relationships, reduced productivity, and worsening of medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or migraine headache during specific phases of their menstrual cycles.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can't cope at home or at work. Common symptoms of PMS include:

Physical Symptoms

Breast tenderness (mastodynia)
Cramping
Swollen hands or feet
Headaches
Weight gain
Bloated abdomen
Constipation
Joint pain
Fatigue
Acne

Psychological Symptoms

Irritability
Angry outbursts
Low self-esteem
Anxiety
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Crying spells
Decreased libido
Depression

Symptoms usually stop or taper off soon after your period begins, and you may be symptom free until about two weeks before your next period.

What causes PMS?

Though the exact cause of PMS is not completely understood, it appears that the hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are involved, along with changes in the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium or vitamin B6, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter activity, diet, and stress have all been implicated in the etiology of PMS.1,2


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What are PMS and PMDD?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS, are both very common and potentially debilitating conditions from which many women suffer. Hormonal changes following ovulation trigger a group of disruptive symptoms that appear approximately 14 days before your period. PMS and PMDD affect an estimated 40 million women in the United States, with more than 5 million requiring medical treatment.

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Using the daily record of severity of problems as a screening instrument for premenstrual syndrome.

Current guidelines for the diagnosis of premenstrual disorders require prospective daily symptom charting for two cycles. This can be quite laborious and is rarely done in clinical practice. A new screening tool has recently been studied which would allow women who are likely to have PMS to be further evaluated.

"A cohort of 697 women kept daily symptom ratings using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). The DRSP includes 21 symptom items grouped within 11 domains. DRSP scores on the first day of menses were calculated using the sum of all 21 items (standard method), the sum of the highest rated items within each domain (alternative method), and the sum of seven items derived from modeling" (Borenstein et al, 2007)."The DRSP administered on the first day of menses is an acceptable screening instrument to identify women who may have PMS" (Borenstein et al, 2007).

"In conclusion, a screening procedure for PMS based on either 21-item or seven-item DRSP symptom ratings on the first day of menses was found to have acceptable test characteristics. These preliminary findings support the use of the DRSP for the identification of women who are most likely to benefit from a more thorough diagnostic evaluation" (Borenstein et al, 2007).

Reference:
Borenstein JE, Dean BB, Yonkers KA, Endicott J. Using the daily record of severity of problems as a screening instrument for premenstrual syndrome. Obstet Gynecol. 2007 May;109(5):1068-75

What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?

What can I do to manage my PMS symptoms?

Women can often manage the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by making changes in the way they eat, exercise, and approach their daily lives. To reduce your discomfort, try implementing as many of the suggestions below as you can.

Dietary Tips for Controlling PMS

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloating and the sensation of fullness.
2. Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pasta, and cereals.
3. Cut back on sugar and fat in your diet.Avoid salt for the last days before your period to reduce bloating and fluid retention.
4. Avoid caffeine intake to feel less tense and irritable.Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol before your period can make you feel more depressed.
5. Choose foods rich in calcium.Increase consumption of dietary fiber.

Lifestyle Tips for Controlling PMS

1. Get aerobic exercise.
2. Regular daily exercise will help improve your overall health and can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and a depressed mood.
3. Ensure adequate sleep—about eight hours per night.Attempt to schedule stressful events for the week after your period.Maintain a regular schedule of meals, bedtime, and exercise.
4. Practice deep-breathing exercises to help reduce headaches, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
5. Avoid smoking cigarettes.

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