Figure 25.3 is a flowchart showing the basic principles and options for treatment.
Figure 25.3
Some women find a discussion of their problem helpful even if it only provides reassurance that the majority of women experience similar symptoms. There have been numerous treatments that have been used to treat PMS. Academics have debated the true benefit of individual medications. It is not really surprising that it is difficult to determine the overall benefit of the various medications as PMS can manifest itself in a wide variety of symptoms occurring in varying severity. Ultimately, what really matters is whether you feel better with a particular therapy. If you only have very minimal problems reassurance alone may be all that is required. At the other extreme, if you have proven severe PMS that has not responded to relatively simple medication, you could benefit from suppression of the cycle by medical or surgical means. The problem for the clinician is that the majority of patients with PMS have moderate symptoms for which reassurance alone may be insufficient and suppression of the menstrual cycle seems excessive.
Ability to cope with the extra burden of premenstrual hormone changes may be enhanced by a variety of non-medical means. Regular exercise may improve your self-esteem and provide you with a feeling of being more healthy. Similarly, relaxation by a variety of means and improving your diet may have a beneficial effect. There is no evidence that special diets for PMS have additional benefit. Theoretically, pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and magnesium may be beneficial as they are known to play an essential part in the chemistry of the brain: controlled trials (placebo & controlled trials), however, have shown little scientific evidence of clinical benefit. Counselling may assist some individuals to assess their problems in life and make a start on sorting them out.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Pilot study of the efficacy and safety of a modified-release magnesium 250mg tablet (sincromag((r))) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. (2007-01)
- Premenstrual syndrome in adolescents: diagnosis and treatment. (2006-01)
- Testosterone therapy in premenopausal women. (2006-02?
- Treatment of premenstrual disorders. (2006-03)
- Magnesium (mg) retention and mood effects after intravenous mg infusion in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2006-04)
- Oral contraceptives and premenstrual symptoms: comparison of a 21/7 and extended regimen. (2006-05)
- Vitex agnus castus: Successful treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome. (2006-06)
- The effect of bright light therapy on depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2005-01)
- Lack of beneficial effects of clonidine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: results of a double-blind, randomized study. (2005-02)
- Effect of consumption of soy isoflavones on behavioural, somatic and affective symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome. (2005-03)Lack of beneficial effects of clonidine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: results of a double-blind, randomized study.(2005-04)
- A review of treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2003-01)
- Use of complementary therapies by women attending a specialist premenstrual syndrome clinic. (2003-02)
- Premenstrual syndrome in primary care: An update. (SSRI) (2001-01)?
- Evaluation and management of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2001-02)
- Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Guidelines for management. (2000-01)
- Diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an update. (2000-02)
- Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: Systematic review. (1999)
- Treatment of mild premenstrual syndrome (1993)
- Treatment of the premenstrual syndrome: A double blind placebo controlled cross over study using danazol (1989)
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.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
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.
