PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME. SYMPTOMS
There are some people in the medical profession who do not believe that premenstrual syndrome exists. Fortunately (especially for those of us who suffer from it), there are some practitioners and researchers whose work is trying to define, diagnose and treat this common disorder.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT) as it was previously known, has suffered a credibility problem. Because it is difficult to quantify, or show someone, unlike a rash or an interesting new lump, many people would rather believe it wasn’t there. Similarly, the fact that different people may suffer from different actual symptoms have made it harder for the
medical fraternity to swallow. It is easier to understand a condition which affects people in a uniform manner, not a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms. The different symptoms collectively known to constitute PMS may not all be found in the same individual. They include mood changes, irritability, depression, insomnia, and memory and concentration problems. Physical complaints such as headaches, abdominal bloating, hot flushes, breast tenderness, leg swelling, fatigue and nausea, as well as acne, bowel and bladder problems have all been defined. Lists have been compiled of recognised symptoms, but any combination of many different changes may occur in a particular person.
*23\52\4*
