1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Slideshow Pictures
2. Disease Prevention in Women Slideshow Pictures
3. Happiness Quiz: Test Your Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ)

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

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.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

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.

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In this Article

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) facts
• What is premenstrual syndrome?
• How common is PMS?
• When was PMS discovered?
• What causes PMS?
• What are the symptoms of PMS?
• How is the diagnosis of PMS made?
• What conditions are like PMS?
• How is PMS distinguished from other conditions?
• What treatments are available for PMS?
• What medications are used to treat PMS?
• Are there herbal or natural remedies for PMS?
• Can exercise help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS?
• Is there a "cure" for PMS?
• Patient Comments: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Effective Treatments
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Premenstrual Syndrome Index

Widespread recognition of PMS has attracted a broad range of research interest in the treatment and management of the symptoms of PMS. Although there is no "cure" for PMS at this time, there are many options in managing its signs and symptoms. The first priority is an accurate diagnosis. Other medical or psychological conditions should be identified and treated. Proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can improve overall health and thereby can lead to the reduction of symptoms, and if these measures are not effective, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be indicated. Most women can control their PMS symptoms successfully so that they do not interfere with their leading healthy and productive lives.

REFERENCES:

Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322(7279):134.

Steiner M, Born L. Diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an update. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000;15 Suppl 3:S5.

Wikander I, Sundblad C, Andersch B, Dagnell I, Zylberstein D, Bengtsson F, Eriksson E. Citalopram in premenstrual dysphoria: is intermittent treatment during luteal phases more effective than continuous medication throughout the menstrual cycle?. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1998;18(5):390.