PMS and dysmenorrhea

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of symptoms which are both physical, psychological and emotional that are related to a woman\’s menstrual cycle.

In order for a woman to experience premenstrual syndrome she must be of childbearing age and continue to experience her menstrual cycle each month.

Approximately 30% of women who are menstruating currently experience the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome enough that they sufficiently interfere with some aspects of their lives.Of those 30%, two to 10% will experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is similar in nature, but much more severe.

On the other hand, dysmenorrhea is a medical condition that is characterized by severe pain during menstruation. Pain can also be experienced before menstruation begins resulting from cramps in the uterus, colon and small intestines. Very basically, dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstruation and can be associated with nausea, vomiting, headache and faintness.

There are some women who experience both premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. These conditions don\’t usually overlap during the month because premenstrual syndrome is alleviated at the start of the menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea begins at that time.

Dysmenorrhea is thought to be caused by prostaglandins, a hormone like substance produced by the lining of the uterus that causes inflammation, uterine contractions and increased sensitivity to the nerve endings. Another theory is that another hormonal imbalance, progesterone and estrogen, is involved in the development of dysmenorrhea.

Although the causes for premenstrual syndrome have not been identified, researchers believe that they also are caused by hormonal imbalances, namely estrogen and progesterone. Another theory also includes neurotransmitters in the brain, more specifically serotonin, which controls mood, weight gain and anxiety.

Treatments for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea are very similar. However, before beginning any treatment protocols at home a woman should have her condition diagnosed by her primary care physician or a gynecologist. This is because the symptoms which go along with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea can also be caused by other underlying medical conditions which, left untreated, can have disastrous results.

Physicians and researchers advise women to change their lifestyle by including more high-fiber foods, vitamin supplementation and less fat. Vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, have been found in recent research to have played a role in the development of premenstrual syndrome. Magnesium works to calm smooth muscle which is what the uterus is made from. Daily exercise and plenty of water has also been found to decrease symptoms as has reducing the amount of salt, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes and red meat in the diet.

Women who suffer from dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome should not suffer alone. Physicians have found other medications and treatment protocols which can help women to decrease the pain and discomfort they experience each month. However, it is also important for women to recognize that what their bodies are fed are the building blocks upon which they will be built. This means that if you don\’t get exercise and you eat lots of red meat, sugar and drink alcohol and caffeine you should not be surprised by the fact that your body declines in function.

RESOURCES

American Association of Occupational Health Nurses: Relationship Between Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea

Gastroenterology Nursing: Increased Symptoms in Female IBS Patients with Dysmenorrhea and PMS

Cleveland Clinic: Dysmenorrhea

Medline PLus: Painful Menstrual Periods