Premenstrual syndrome

Article Abstract:

The menstrual cycle produces a complex set of hormonal interactions that cause subtle physical or psychological cues that many women can easily identify. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of minor physical and emotional changes that occur just before menstruation. These are normal in most women of reproductive age. For 3 to 5 percent of women the hormonal changes cause tension and anxiety, and sometimes severe mental and physical symptoms, including depression, headaches and bloating. Mild symptoms include acne, craving for sweets, constipation, and breast tenderness, none of which disrupt life style or relationships with others. Diagnosis of PMS is highly politicized, seen by some as undermining the quest for equality, or formally recognizing a disorder that afflicts women. It is also argued that the emphasis on the negative aspects, such as mood swings, ignores the peak in creativity experienced by many women. The legal implications of PMS as a defense for violence committed by women may also carry the implication that women are incapable of taking on responsible positions in government and industry. The emphasis on depression and emotional instability ignores the fact that men are almost invariably the perpetrators of violence and antisocial behavior. It is not clear whether PMS is a medical or a cultural entity. It may be the result of a complex set of cultural beliefs, socialization, experiences, and life stress that all influence attitudes toward menstruation and premenstrual behavior. Most researchers have concentrated on nutritional or hormonal explanations. Peter Schmidt, in the April 25 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, studied hormonal changes, and did not find that they contributed to PMS, even though some other studies have found a link between mood and hormonal changes. When PMS does not respond to the usual treatment, suppression of the ovarian cycle by drug therapy or total hysterectomy, followed by estrogen-replacement therapy, may eliminate symptoms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Causes of, Affective disorders, Mood disorders, editorial

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Alleviation of premenstrual syndrome symptoms with the relaxation response

Article Abstract:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that affect some women prior to the beginning of their menstrual periods. It is characterized by tension, irritability, depression, headache, breast tenderness, and water retention. PMS may be exacerbated by stress; hence, the relaxation response (the physiological response to consciously induced relaxation) may be effective in combatting it. This notion was tested in a sample of 46 women with an average age 31.7 who experienced PMS. The women were assigned to one of three groups: recorded symptoms daily; recorded symptoms and read leisure material twice daily; and recorded symptoms and learned to elicit the relaxation response twice daily. The subjects were followed for five months, during which they completed the Premenstrual Assessment Form before each menstrual period and the Daily Rating Form. Scores from these forms were used to measure the relief experienced by members of the three groups. Results from the Premenstrual Assessment Form indicated that physical symptoms improved more for the women in the relaxation response group than for those in the other two groups. In addition, women with severe symptoms in the relaxation response group had an average improvement of 58 percent in several measures of improvement according to the Daily Rating Form, and in their emotional, physical, and social withdrawal symptoms. Women with severe symptoms in the reading and recording, and recording only, groups, had overall improvements of 27.2 and 17 percent, respectively. Possible physiological bases for the effectiveness of the relaxation response in relieving PMS symptoms are discussed briefly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Relaxation, Relaxation (Psychology)

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