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单词 premenstrual syndrome
释义

premenstrual syndrome


premenstrual syndrome

n. Abbr. PMS A varying group of symptoms including pelvic and back discomfort, breast tenderness, headache, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and moodiness, that occur in some women two to seven days before the onset of menstruation and cease shortly after menses begins.

premenstrual syndrome

or

premenstrual tension

n (Physiology) a group of symptoms, including nervous tension and fluid retention, any of which may be experienced as a result of hormonal changes in the days before a menstrual period starts. Abbreviation: PMS or PMT

premen′strual syn`drome


n. a complex of physical and emotional changes, as depression, irritability, bloating, and soreness of the breasts, one or more of which may be experienced in the several days before the onset of menstrual flow. Abbr.: PMS [1980–85]

premenstrual syndrome

(PMS) Physical and/or emotional discomforts experienced by some women before, during, and/or after menstruation.
Thesaurus
Noun1.premenstrual syndrome - a syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruationPMSsyndrome - a pattern of symptoms indicative of some disease
Translations

premenstrual syndrome


premenstrual syndrome

(PMS), any of various symptoms experienced by women of childbearing age in the days immediately preceding menstruationmenstruation,
periodic flow of blood and cells from the lining of the uterus in humans and most other primates, occurring about every 28 days in women. Menstruation commences at puberty (usually between age 10 and 17).
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. It is most common in women in their twenties and thirties. Some 70%–90% of menstruating women are said to have PMS on a cyclical basis. There are over 150 symptoms associated with the syndrome, including behavioral changes, eating binges, moodiness, irritability, fatigue, fluid retention, breast tenderness, and headaches. Some women have mild symptoms; others have symptoms that interfere with work or home life. A few are completely incapacitated, a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The symptoms vary from woman to woman, and each woman's symptoms may vary from month to month, making diagnosis difficult.

The exact cause is unknown. Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and neurotransmitter (serotoninserotonin
, organic compound that was first recognized as a powerful vasoconstrictor occurring in blood serum. It was partially purified, crystallized, and named in 1948, and its structure was deduced a year later.
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 and norepinephrinenorepinephrine
, a neurotransmitter in the catecholamine family that mediates chemical communication in the sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system.
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) fluctuations are being studied. PMS patients who have had hysterectomies may continue to have symptoms, but the symptoms in all patients disappear with menopausemenopause
or climacteric
, transitional phase in a woman's life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, ovarian production of estrogen and other hormones tapers off, and menstruation ceases.
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. There is no cure for PMS. In some women, dietary changes and exercise provide some relief through the loss of water weight, the alleviation of stress, and an increase in the production of endorphinsendorphins
, neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorpins, found primarily in the pituitary gland; and enkephalins and dynorphin, both distributed throughout the nervous
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. Antidepressantsantidepressant,
any of a wide range of drugs used to treat psychic depression. They are given to elevate mood, counter suicidal thoughts, and increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
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 or antianxiety drugsantianxiety drug,
drug administered for the relief of anxiety. Although their action is not fully understood, most antianxiety medications appear to affect the action of neurotransmitters in the brain (see serotonin and norepinephrine).
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 are sometimes prescribed. In severe cases hormones that induce a premature menopause may be administered.

Bibliography

See publications of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; S. D. Bender, PMS: A Positive Program to Gain Control (1986) and PMS: Questions & Answers (1989); Boston Women's Health Book Collective, Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century (1998).

premenstrual syndrome

, tension a group of symptoms, including nervous tension and fluid retention, any of which may be experienced as a result of hormonal changes in the days before a menstrual period starts

premenstrual syndrome


Premenstrual Syndrome

 

Definition

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to symptoms that occur between ovulation and the onset of menstruation. The symptoms include both physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness, back pain, abdominal cramps, headache, and changes in appetite, as well as psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and unrest. Severe forms of this syndrome are referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These symptoms may be related to hormones and emotional disorders.

Description

Approximately 75% of all menstruating women experience some symptoms that occur before or during menstruation. PMS encompasses symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life. About 3-seven% of women experience the more severe PMDD. These symptoms can last 4-10 days and can have a substantial impact on a woman's life.The reason some women get severe PMS while others have none is not understood. PMS symptoms usually begin at about age 20-30 years. The disease may run in families and is also more prone to occur in women with a history of psychological problems. Overall however, it is difficult to predict who is most at risk for PMS.

Causes and symptoms

Because PMS is restricted to the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle, after ovulation, it is thought that hormones play a role. During a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, which lasts 24-35 days, hormone levels change. The hormone estrogen gradually rises during the first half of a woman's cycle, the preovulatory phase, and falls dramatically at ovulation. After ovulation, the postovulatory phase, progesterone levels gradually increase until menstruation occurs. Both estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ovaries, which are responsible for producing the eggs. The main role of these hormones is to cause thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). However, estrogen and progesterone also affect other parts of the body, including the brain. In the brain and nervous system, estrogen can affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Serotonin has long been known to have an effect on emotions, as well as eating behavior. It is thought that when estrogen levels go down during the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, decreases in serotonin levels follow. Whether these changes in estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin are responsible for the emotional aspects of PMS is not known with certainty. However, most researchers agree that the chemical transmission of signals in the brain and nervous system is in some way related to PMS. This is supported by the fact that the times following childbirth and menopause are also associated with both depression and low estrogen levels.Symptoms for PMS are varied and many, including both physical and emotional aspects that range from mild to severe. The physical symptoms include: bloating, headaches, food cravings, abdominal cramps, headaches, tension, and breast tenderness. Emotional aspects include mood swings, irritability, and depression.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose PMS is to review a detailed diary of a woman's symptoms for several months. PMS is diagnosed by the presence of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that are cyclic and occur in association with the premenstrual period of time. PMDD, which is far less common, was officially recognized as a disease in 1987. Its diagnosis depends on the presence of at least five symptoms related to mood that disappear within a few days of menstruation. These symptoms must interfere with normal functions and activities of the individual. The diagnosis of PMDD has caused controversy in fear that it may be used against women, labeling them as being impaired by their menstrual cycles.

Treatment

There are many treatments for PMS and PMDD depending on the symptoms and their severity. For mild cases, treatment includes vitamins, diuretics, and pain relievers. Vitamins E and B6 may decrease breast tenderness and help with fatigue and mood swings in some women. Diuretics that remove excess fluid from the body seem to work for some women. For more severe cases and for PMDD, treatments available include antidepressant drugs, hormone treatment, or (only in extreme cases) surgery to remove the ovaries. Hormone treatment usually involves oral contraceptives. This treatment, as well as removal of the ovaries, is used to prevent ovulation and the changes in hormones that accompany ovulation. Recent studies, however, indicate that hormone treatment has little effect over placebo.

Antidepressants

The most progress in the treatment of PMS and PMDD has been through the use of antidepressant drugs. The most effective of these include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil). They are termed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and act by indirectly increasing the brain serotonin levels, thus stabilizing emotions. Some doctors prescribe antidepressant treatment for PMS throughout the cycle, while others direct patients to take the drug only during the latter half of the cycle. Antidepressants should be avoided by women wanting to become pregnant. A recent clinical study found that women who took sertraline had a significant improvement in productivity, social activities, and relationships compared with a placebo group. Side effects of sertraline were found to include nausea, diarrhea, and decreased libido.

Alternative treatment

There are alternative treatments that can both affect serotonin and hormone responses, as well as affect some of the physical symptoms of PMS.

Vitamins and minerals

Some women find relief with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. Magnesium can reduce the fluid retention that causes bloating, while calcium may decrease both irritability and bloating. Magnesium and calcium also help relax smooth muscles and this may reduce cramping. Vitamin E may reduce breast tenderness, nervous tension, fatigue, and insomnia. Vitamin B6 may decrease fluid retention, fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands and may help reduce fatigue.

Phytoestrogens and natural progesterone

The Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) contains a substance that may be converted to progester-one in the body. Because this substance is readily absorbed through the skin, it can be found as an ingredient in many skin creams. (Some products also have natural progesterone added to them.) Some herbalists believe that these products can have a progesterone-like effect on the body and decrease some of the symptoms of PMS.The most important way to alter hormone levels may be by eating more phytoestrogens. These plant-derived compounds have an effect similar to estrogen in the body. One of the richest sources of phytoestrogens is soy products, such as tofu. Additionally, many supplements can be found that contain black cohosh (Cimicifugaracemosa) or dong quai (Angelica sinensis), which are herbs high in phytoestrogens. Red clover (Trifolium pratense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), hops (Humulus lupulus), and legumes are also high in phytoestrogens. Increasing the consumption of phytoestrogens is also associated with decreased risks of osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease.

Antidepressant alternatives

Many antidepressants act by increasing serotonin levels. An alternative means of achieving this is to eat more carbohydrates. For instance, two cups of cereal or a cup of pasta have enough carbohydrates to effectively increase serotonin levels. An herb known as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has stood up to scientific trials as an effective antidepressant. As with the standard antidepressants, however, it must be taken continuously and does not show an effect until used for 46 weeks. There are also herbs, such as skull-cap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and kava (Piper methysticum), that can relieve the anxiety and irritability that often accompany depression. An advantage of these herbs is that they can be taken when symptoms occur rather than continually. Chaste tree (Vitex agnuscastus) in addition to helping rebalance estrogen and progesterone in the body, also may relieve the anxiety and depression associated with PMS.

Prognosis

The prognosis for women with both PMS and PMDD is good. Most women who are treated for these disorders do well.

Prevention

Maintaining a good diet, one low in sugars and fats and high in phytoestrogens and complex carbohydrates, may prevent some of the symptoms of PMS. Women should try to exercise three times a week, keep in generally good health, and maintain a positive self image. Because PMS is often associated with stress, avoidance of stress or developing better means to deal with stress can be important.

Resources

Periodicals

Yonkers, Kimberly A., et al. "Symptomatic Improvement of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder with Sertraline Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of the American Medical Association 278 (September 24, 1997): 983-989.

Key terms

Antidepressant — A drug used to control depression.Estrogen — A female hormone important in the menstrual cycle.Neurotransmitter — A chemical messenger used to transmit an impulse from one nerve to the next.Phytoestrogens — Compounds found in plants that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.Progesterone — A female hormone important in the menstrual cycle.Serotonin — A neurotransmitter important in regulating mood.

premenstrual

 [pre-men´stroo-al] preceding menstruation" >menstruation.premenstrual dysphoric disorder premenstrual syndrome viewed as a psychiatric disorder.premenstrual syndrome (PMS) the presence of symptoms in the period before menstruation or in the early days of the menstrual period; also called premenstrual tension. Definition and diagnosis depend on the timing and the cyclic nature of symptoms rather than on specific clinical manifestations, which can vary greatly from one patient to another but follow a consistent pattern in the individual from cycle to cycle.
Various psychological and emotional causes of this syndrome have been proposed; only recently has serious attention been paid to it as a physical as well as a psychological phenomenon. Research has shown that onset and increased severity of symptoms often occur when rapid hormonal changes are taking place, e.g., at puberty, after a pregnancy, or when oral contraceptives are discontinued. A transient increase in water retention seems to account for edema, weight gain, bloating, and breast changes. Other etiologic factors may be an estrogen-progesterone imbalance, hypoglycemia, vitamin deficiencies, prostaglandins, and psychogenic disturbances.Symptoms. Symptoms may begin at the time of ovulation and increase until the menses, or they may appear at ovulation, abate, and then reappear and increase until menses. In some cases they arise only a few days before the onset of menstruation. In true PMS the symptoms cease with the onset of menses or last no more than a few days into the cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome can affect virtually every system of the body and produce behavioral changes that have significant psychosocial impact. Physical symptoms may include headache, vertigo, or paresthesias; common colds, rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, or sore throat; abdominal bloating, nausea, or food cravings; breast tenderness and engorgement; backache, joint pain, and edema; and others. Psychological or emotional symptoms may include irritability, tiredness with sleep disturbance, mood swings, depression, and altered libido.
Treatment. Successful management of the syndrome is difficult and protocols vary greatly, probably because there is no clear understanding of the causes. Therapies include progesterone therapy, administration of vitamin B6 daily, and curtailment of intake of sodium, methylxanthines (coffee, tea, and chocolate), and nicotine. Additionally, the patient may be advised to restrict the intake of refined sugar, alcohol, and animal fats. Increasing the intake of vegetable oils may be recommended in order to enhance prostaglandin formation.Patient Care. A major goal of intervention is the promotion of self-care strategies. For example, the patient is encouraged to keep a menstrual calendar to validate cyclic changes and to give her a sense of purposeful management of her life. She may then plan to avoid stressful events during the time symptoms are present. Counseling can help identify sources of stress and effective mechanisms to deal with stressful situations. Sufficient sleep and rest are needed because fatigue tends to exaggerate the symptoms. Moderate exercise can increase the patient's sense of well-being. A nutritious diet is also helpful, especially the inclusion of foods that are natural sources of the B vitamins and magnesium. The intake of sodium, caffeine, and refined sugar should be limited and alcohol and tobacco avoided.
Severe premenstrual symptoms can seriously disrupt vital human relationships, leading to domestic problems including child abuse and other acts of violence. Health care providers will need to be aware of the psychosocial ramifications of premenstrual syndrome and to facilitate positive coping behaviors, make referrals to agencies prepared to deal with these kinds of problems, and provide support and counseling when indicated.

pre·men·stru·al syn·drome (PMS),

in women of reproductive age, a constellation of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal (premenstrual) phase of the menstrual cycle and subside with the onset of menstruation; characterized by swelling and weight gain due to fluid retention, breast tenderness, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, drowsiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite and libido. Synonym(s): late luteal phase dysphoria, late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, menstrual molimina, premenstrual tension syndrome, premenstrual tension

About 80% of menstruating women aged 25-40 experience some symptoms of PMS with at least some menstrual cycles, and 5-10% have severe emotional symptoms associated with impairment in domestic, occupational, or social functioning, identified as premenstrual (or late luteal phase) dysphoric disorder. A specific biologic cause has not been identified. Reported abnormalities in serotonin metabolism have led to the hypothesis that in women with PMS the normal hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle interact with a neurotransmitter dysregulation to trigger mood and anxiety symptoms. Serotonergic antidepressants (for example, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline) or alprazolam often suppress emotional symptoms when administered continuously or cyclically. Calcium supplementation, reducing caffeine and salt intake, regular exercise, and a diet high in complex carbohydrates may help to minimize physical symptoms. In severe cases, suppression of menses with danazol, leuprolide, or nafarelin may be justified.

premenstrual syndrome

n. Abbr. PMS A varying group of symptoms including pelvic and back discomfort, breast tenderness, headache, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and moodiness, that occur in some women two to seven days before the onset of menstruation and cease shortly after menses begins.

premenstrual syndrome

A cyclical disorder characterised by affective, behavioural and somatic symptoms that consistently occur during the luteal (second) phase of the menstrual cycle, which are vaguely linked to the fall in oestrogen and progesterone from luteal peaks and resolve with the onset of menses.
Clinical findings
PMS affects 10–30% of menstruating women, and is characterised variously by: days of mental or physical incapacity of varying intensity, insomnia; headaches; emotional lability (anxiety, depression, irritability, loss of concentration, poor judgement, mood swings and violent tendencies evoked by environmental cues); acne; breast enlargement, fullness or tenderness; abdominal bloating with oedema; craving for salty, sweet or fatty food; headaches; arthralgia; myalgia; weight gain.
 
Management
Tension, irritability and dysphoria may respond to medical or surgical ovariectomy; fluoxetine/Prozac and anxiolytics may be marginally superior to placebos.
 
While PMS was assumed to be a progestational endocrine dysfunction, mifepristone, an antiprogestational agent used to induce menses and luteolysis, did not affect the severity or duration of PMS symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder—DSM-IV criteria 
Five or more of below symptoms in a cyclic fashion, at least one of which is #1–4:
1. Depressed mood, self-deprecation, hopelessness.
2. Anxiety, tension; feeling “wired”.
3. Emotional lability.
4. Marked and/or persistent anger, irritability or interpersonal conflict.
5. Decreased interest in usual activities or relationships.
6. Difficulty in concentrating.
7. Lethargy.
8. Change in appetite.
9. Change in sleep habits.
10. Subjective sense of loss of control.
11. Physical symptoms—e.g., breast tenderness, headaches, arthralgia, myalgia, bloating, weight gain.

premenstrual syndrome

PMS, Premenstrual tension, premenstrual dysphoric disorder Gynecology A cyclical disorder characterized by affective, behavioral, and somatic Sx that often occur during the luteal–2nd phase of the menstrual cycle, resolve with the onset of menses, and are weakly linked
to the fall in estrogen and progesterone from luteal peaks Clinical Premenstrual dysphoric disorder–PMS affects 10–30% of menstruating ♀ and is characterized by several days of mental or physical incapacitation of varying intensity, insomnia, headaches, emotional lability–anxiety, depression, irritability, loss of concentration, poor judgement, mood swings, violence evoked by environmental cues, acne, breast enlargement, tenderness, abdominal bloating, edema, craving for salty, sweet, or 'junk' foods Management Fluoxetine–Prozac® for tension, irritability, dysphoria, ovariectomy, anxiolytics are marginally better than placebos Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder–Research criteria Five + of below symptoms in a cyclic fashion, at least one of which is 1-4 1. Depressed mood, self-deprecation, hopelessness  .2. Anxiety, tension, feeling 'wired'  .3. Emotional lability  .4. Marked and/or persistent anger, irritability, or interpersonal conflict  .5. Decreased interest in usual activities or relationships  .6. Difficulty in concentrating  .7. Lethargy  .8. Change in appetite  .9. Change in sleep habits .10. Subjective sense of loss of control .11. Physical symptoms, eg breast tenderness, headaches, arthralgia, myalgia, bloating, weight gain
Modified from DSM-IV
.

pre·men·stru·al syn·drome

(PMS) (prē-men'strū-ăl sin'drōm) In some women of reproductive age, the regular monthly experience of physiologic and emotional distress, usually during the several days preceding menses; characterized by nervousness, depression, fluid retention, and weight gain.
Synonym(s): late luteal phase dysphoria, menstrual molimina, premenstrual tension.

premenstrual syndrome

A group of physical and emotional symptoms that may affect women during the week or two before the start of each menstrual period. The cause of the syndrome remains unclear. It features irritability, depression, fatigue, tension, headache, breast tenderness, a sense of abdominal fullness and pain, fluid retention and backache. Various treatments may have to be tried before relief is obtained. Suggested remedies include diuretic drugs, modification of diet, vitamin B6, EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, progesterone or oral contraceptives.

pre·men·stru·al syn·drome

(PMS) (prē-men'strū-ăl sin'drōm) In women of reproductive age, constellation of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur in luteal (premenstrual) phase of the menstrual cycle and subside with onset of menstruation; characterized by swelling and weight gain due to fluid retention, breast tenderness, and many other symptoms.
LegalSeePMSAcronymsSeepre-marital sex

premenstrual syndrome


Related to premenstrual syndrome: premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • noun

Synonyms for premenstrual syndrome

noun a syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation

Synonyms

  • PMS

Related Words

  • syndrome
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