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.
A variety of medications are used to treat the different
symptoms of PMS. Medications include diuretics, pain killers, oral
contraceptive pills, drugs that suppress ovarian function, and
antidepressants.
Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that increase the rate
of urine production, thereby eliminating excess fluid from the body
tissues. Several nonprescription menstrual products (including Diurex
PMS, Lurline PMS, Midol PMS, Pamprin Multisymptom and Premsyn PMS)
contain diuretics, for example, either caffeine or pamabrom.
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a prescription diuretic that has been
widely used to treat premenstrual swelling of the hands, feet or
face. Unfortunately, it has not been effective in all patients.
Benzodiazepines: The benzodiazepam alprazolam (Xanax) has been shown in some studies to relieve the depressive symptoms of PMS or PMDD. However, this drug is not considered a first-line treatment for these conditions because of its addictive potential.
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs):OCPs are sometimes prescribed to even out ovarian hormone fluctuations. While older studies failed to provide evidence that OCPs can consistently provide relief for symptoms of PMS, the newer
birth control pills, with their improved hormonal formulations, seem to be more beneficial
Ovarian suppressors: Drugs like
danazol (Danocrine) have
been prescribed to suppress ovarian hormone production.
Unfortunately, Danocrine cannot be used over long periods because of
side effects.
Complete suppression of ovarian function by a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs has been found to help some women with PMS. These GnRH analogs are not given long term (more than
six months) because of their adverse effect on bone density and an increased risk of bone thinning (osteoporosis). In some cases these drugs may be prescribed along with hormone supplementation.
Antidepressants: These are widely used in treating the mood
disturbances related to PMS. Antidepressants appear to work by
increasing brain chemical (opioids, serotonin, and others) levels that
are affected by the ovarian hormones. These opioids are important in
the control of mood and emotions. The serotonin reuptake inhibitor group of
antidepressants seem to be the most effective for symptoms of PMS.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) are examples of antidepressant medications
from this group that have been
found to be effective in treating the mood changes associated with
PMS.
It is important to know that these drugs, although useful in
treating mood disturbances in some women, are not necessarily
effective in treating the physical symptoms. Often, it is a
combination of diet, medications and exercise that is needed to
afford the maximum improvement from the many symptoms 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Womens Health RSS
Healthy Living Tips
