Each month following ovulation, a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes which regulate the menstrual cycle. These physical and emotional changes appear the week before a woman's period, and are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome, or P-M-S. Doctors still aren't sure what sets P-M-S off, but research seems to indicate a complex group of factors at work, rather than an imbalance of any one hormone. Mood changes usually take the form of increased irritability, aggressiveness, and/or depression. Physical changes may include breast tenderness, water retention, fatigue, and headaches. Symptoms peak before menstruation, and stop abruptly when your period begins. The severity of symptoms can vary considerably. While usually moderate, on occasion, symptoms are so pronounced that they affect personal relationships or performance at work. Exercise, good nutrition, and adequate rest can all help diminish P-M-S symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, diuretics (die-your-RET-icks), vitamin B-6, and magnesium may also help, but will not cure the disorder itself. Although there's no clear evidence that P-M-S symptoms result from an excess of progesterone (pro-JESS-ter-own) or estrogen (ESS-troh-jin) in the body, some women find that their symptoms are relieved by treatments that alter the activity of these hormones. In some cases, oral contraceptives seem to help. Consult a physician if your symptoms are severe. You and the doctor may need to experiment with different treatments to find the best one for you.
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