Premenstrual tension - Premenstrual syndrome

A group of symptoms that appear from the 14th day after the last menstrual period and continue until the next period arrives. It is more common in women between the ages of 20 and 40 who have had at least one child.

The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to hormonal changes. Social, cultural, and psychological factors may also play a role. It is more common in women with a personal or family history of depression and in women who have had postpartum depression.

 The most common symptoms are emotional (anxiety, depression, crying easily, mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in libido), sleep disturbances in the form of insomnia, and physical symptoms (muscle and joint pain, headaches, acne outbreaks, fatigue, fluid retention, abdominal bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and increased breast tenderness).

Diagnosis is made by clinical interview and complete physical examination.

There is no specific treatment, and those that are used vary in their effectiveness from one woman to another. The most common include antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and diuretics.