Much has been written about "PMS", but little is really conclusive. It is clear that women can experience physical and emotional symptoms about five days prior to their period, which last until about two days after menstruation begins. Women are said to have PMS (now called premenstrual dysphoric disorder) if they regularly experience marked mood changes during the last week prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle - depressed mood, marked anxiety and major mood swings.

Appetite and sleep changes are commonly reported (PMS is often associated with carbohydrate cravings) and women can lose interest in activities they normally enjoy doing. Symptoms disappear within a few days of the menstrual cycle starting and are entirely absent for at least one week following each period. PMS can be severe enough to interfere with work and other activities and it is a real disorder that can make women miserable.

True PMS affects only a small percentage of women. While many women say they have PMS, minor mood swings and increased irritability prior to the menstrual cycle do not add up to premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and changes in mood have to be marked and occur consistently at the same time each month for the diagnosis to apply.

Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS)

PMS treatment first and foremost focuses on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on lots of exercise and a good, wholesome diet. Not only does regular exercise help to relieve tension and smooth out jangled nerves, it also alters brain chemistry, producing mood-elevating chemicals called endorphins. Regular exercise also helps improve self-esteem, generates feelings of being at peace with oneself and is a big energy booster - all of which help relieve symptoms of PMS.

Doctors with an interest in PMS also tend to recommend a diet rich in certain vitamins and minerals including the B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D and E. Though controversial, the use of the female hormone, progesterone, has met with anecdotal success as well. Recently, good results have been reported in with women with PMS who were treated with Zoloft (sertraline).

In practice, women may take the medication throughout their menstrual cycle or for two weeks prior to their period.

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