Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 163) women PMS It’s that time of the month again and you’re feeling irritable and bloated. But take heart — in most cases, the symptoms can be managed, or even avoided altogether. By Sarah D. Garber PMS: Beat your symptoms woman to woman. Some women experience only mild discomfort, and others may have symptoms so severe that they can’t function normally. Whatever your experience, you don’t have to let PMS control your life. O f all the women who get their period, an estimated 70% to 90% experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in one way or another. Of course, the symptoms vary from What are some common symptoms of PMS? The following symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days before your period, and stop soon after it begins. Most women usually find their symptoms to be fairly predictable, but you may find that yours change from month to month. ● Bloated abdomen. ● Depression or mood changes. ● Feeling tired, irritable or anxious. ● Changes in appetite (feeling more hungry, or not hungry at all). ● Headache. ● Joint pain. ● Tender or swollen breasts. ● Insomnia. ● Fluid retention (temporary weight gain, swollen hands and feet). ● Loss of libido (feeling less interested in sex). How does my doctor know I have PMS? Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your symptoms for a few months. Record your symptoms on a calendar, and if they PMS can cause you to feel tired and bloated. follow the same pattern, you probably have PMS. Your doctor may also want to examine you or do other tests to make sure your symptoms aren’t caused by something else. familydoctor 2007 163
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