Charts are available, which can assist you to record your PMS symptoms. They may help to prove or disprove the relationship between symptoms and the menstrual cycle. These charts can also be helpful in demonstrating whether treatments are providing benefit. Suitable charts are usually available on re quest in reproductive endocrinology clinics. Figure 25. 1shows a PMS chart used in my own clinic. This shows example cases to provide a guide for PMS patients and allows for the patients to assess their own symptoms on a severity level from 0 to 3.
Suppression of the menstrual cycle by gonadotrophin releasing analogues (e.g. Goserelin –gonadotrophins) has been described as a means of diagnosing PMS when there is doubt about the diagnosis. The menstrual cycle is suppressed for three cycles so that if symptoms are truly cyclically related they should disappear. The test has been advocated for evaluating the potential benefits of removing the ovaries for patients with possible PMS problems who are coming tohysterectomy . From a practical point of view it is apparent that the “Goserelin test’ will create a temporary menopause-like state; many symptoms (e.g. depression and anxiety) which may be attributable to PMS can also occur with the menopause. This potential difficulty may be overcome by add-back therapy (HRT-Add-Back).
Please click on the required question.
- Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS What is The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- 2 How prevalent is PMS?
- 3 How can we tell if I have PMS?
- 4 How can my PMS be evaluated?
- 5 How can cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) be treated?
- 6 How can my PMS be treated?
- 7 What is the place of progestogens and progesterone in the management of PMS?
- 8 Could suppressing my menstrual cycle reduce my PMS problems?
- 9 Could a diuretic help my PMS?
- 10 Is there a place for anti-depressants or anxiolytic drugs in the management of PMS?
- 11 Is there a place for removing my ovaries in the management of PMS?
- 12 What can be done about my decreased libido (sex drive)
- 12A What is the place of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) in sexual dysfunction in women?
- 13 How is PMS treatment monitored?
- 14 How long should PMS treatment be taken?
- 15 What is the chronic fatigue syndrome?
- 16 What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- 17 Where can I obtain more information?
- 18 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
