General Information
Pre-menstrual tension or syndrome (PMT or PMS) is a collection of physical and emotional (mood) changes related to menstruation.PMS usually starts at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and lasts until a few days after menstruation. The cause of PMS is still unknown. The condition commonly occurs in many women, although the symptoms are normally mild. Less than 10% of this population experience severe symptoms and these women should seek medical advice.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical:-
- Fluid retention-swollen ankles, fingers, legs, bloated feeling in the stomach, puffy face.
- Tender, swollen or painful breasts
- Dull aches and pains often beginning in the back, knees, or ankles
- A headache like a band around the forehead
- Gaining weight.
- Stomach cramps, constipation.
- Tiredness/no energy.
- Increased thirst or appetite.
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Skin breaks out.
- Being clumsy or uncoordinated.
- Tension, anxiety.
- Depression
- Being irritable, aggressive angry.
- Sudden mood swings
- Decreased interest in work, study friends and hobbies.
- Difficulty concentrating
Advice to the Customers
- Practice stress management and relaxation techniques
- Cut down on salt to help prevent bloating, and avoid caffeine to lessen anxiety.
- Because the symptoms are numerous, trying different products may be necessary, with each product tried for approximately 3-4 months to determine effectiveness. However, if two to three products fail to provide symptomatic relief, the patient should see a physician who may prescribe medicines that may be helpful.
- If PMS interferes significantly with a normal lifestyle, refer the patient to a physician.
Prescription Advice
- Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e. name of the medication, frequency of dosage, etc.
- In cases where PMT is severe and causing much discomfort, instruct the patient to consult a physician.
- Discuss advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of pre-menstrual tension.