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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.

Emotional:-

• 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.