Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Medical Author: Carolyn Janet Crandall, M.D., FACP
Medical Editors: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD and William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Ms. B.T. is 38 years old. Her co-workers always
seem to know when she has her period. During this time, she becomes extremely
irritable. She feels guilty because she gets very angry at her children for no
logical reason or for apparently trivial reasons. In fact, one of her coworkers,
with whom she is quite friendly, suggested she come in before her supervisor
noticed problems on the job. She heard that there is a severe version of PMS
that requires special treatment. Ms. B.T. wants to know if this is her problem.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been the term
used for mood, and sometimes physical, symptoms that occur cyclically
(predictably in relation to menses) in the second half of the menstrual cycle and interfere with a woman's
quality of life. Some women experience even more severe symptoms. These women may have
a conditions known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be related to interactions between sex hormones and brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).
PMS can be mimicked and must be distinguished from
other disorders.
The most helpful diagnostic tool for PMS is a
menstrual diary.
Treatment options for PMS include exercise, a healthy lifestyle, emotional support of family and friends, and medications.
Possible for PMS include diuretics, pain killers, oral
contraceptives, drugs that suppress ovarian function and
antidepressants.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation and typically ending with the onset of her
menstrual flow. The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability,
depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings with alternating sadness and anger. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating,
breast tenderness (mastalgia),
acne, and appetite changes with food cravings.
A more severe form of PMS, known as
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder) occurs in a smaller number of women and leads to significant loss of function because of unusually severe symptoms.
The American Psychiatric Association characterizes PMDD as a severe form of PMS
in which anger, irritability, and
anxiety or tension are
especially prominent.
How common is PMS?
About 80% of women experience some premenstrual symptoms. The incidence of true PMS has often been overestimated by including all women who experience any physical or emotional symptoms prior to menstruation. It is estimated that clinically significant PMS (which is moderate to severe in intensity and affects a woman's functioning) occurs in 20% to 30% of women. About 2% to 6% of women are believed to have the more severe variant known as PMDD.
When was PMS discovered?
The mood changes surrounding this condition have been
described as early as the time of the ancient Greeks. However, it was
not until 1931 that this disorder was officially recognized by the
medical community. The term "premenstrual syndrome" was coined in
1953.
What causes PMS?
PMS remains an enigma because of the wide-ranging symptoms and the difficulty in making a firm diagnosis. Several theories have been advanced to explain the cause of PMS. None of these theories have been proven, and specific treatment for PMS still largely lacks a solid scientific basis. Most evidence suggests that PMS results from the alterations in or interactions between the levels of sex hormones and brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
PMS does not appear to be specifically associated with any personality factors or specific personality types. Likewise, a number of studies have shown that psychological stress is not related to the severity of PMS.
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered to be a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has also been referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The cause of PMDD is unknown. Some of the common symptoms of PMDD (not an inclusive list) include: mood swings, bloating, fatigue, headache, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, acne, hot flashes and more. Treatment for PMDD is with medication to treat the symptoms of PMDD.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all males and females during puberty; the only exception being teenage members of a few primitive isolated tribes living in
Neolithic societies. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. It is not unusual for some women to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s.
Acne appears on the skin as...
congested pores ("comedones"), also known as
blackheads or
whiteheads,
tender red bumps also known as pimples or zits,
pustules, and occasionally as
cysts (deep pimples, boils).
You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore
or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases
of acne, you should
consult a physician for treatment options.
