Premenstrual syndrome Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.
Answers to questions about premenstrual syndrome
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I've heard that taking evening primrose oil can help ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - is this true?
- My partner has PMS which makes her irritable and moody every month before her period - what can I do to help her?
- What is the difference between PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
- Are there any complementary treatments that I can try to relieve my PMS?
I've heard that taking evening primrose oil can help ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - is this true?
Evening primrose oil is one of the most popular self-help remedies for PMS. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to show that taking it reduces symptoms.
Explanation
The exact reasons why some women get PMS aren't fully understood at present, but one theory is that it may be related to disturbances in the levels of certain fatty acids in the body. Evening primrose oil has been used as a treatment for PMS because it contains essential unsaturated fatty acids that are thought to help restore the body's natural balance.
Many studies have been carried out to see how effective evening primrose oil is in relieving symptoms of PMS. So far, none of the research has shown that it has any effect.
Further information
- National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
0870 777 2178
www.pms.org.uk - National Institute of Medical Herbalists
01392 426022
www.nimh.org.uk
Sources
- Evening primrose oil. BMJ Clinical Evidence. www.clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 18 February 2009
- Evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome. Bandolier. http://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/, accessed 18 February 2009
- Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KMK, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
My partner has PMS which makes her irritable and moody every month before her period - what can I do to help her?
PMS can cause mood swings and irritability, putting a strain on your relationship. It's important to acknowledge that your partner is feeling unwell and to offer her any support she needs.
Explanation
Symptoms of PMS can affect a woman's emotional wellbeing, causing her to behave uncharacteristically. Some women become depressed and tired, whereas others become moody and irritable. It's important that you take her seriously and acknowledge her concerns without simply attributing everything to 'that time of the month'.
Offering support and a shoulder to cry on can help a great deal. Ask her about how she's feeling and encourage her to talk about it. Reassure her by reminding her that she felt the same last month and that her symptoms did pass. Try to make her feel more positive about herself. Taking charge of the household chores or childcare will give her some free time to herself and may also help her cope better.
If your partner says or does things that upset you, try not to take them personally. It's important that you talk about how her PMS is affecting both your lives, but it's best to wait and do this after her period has started when she's feeling more herself again. Try not to be critical or blame her, remember that the symptoms she's having are out of her control. Work together to come up with an action plan to try and combat her monthly symptoms - this may include seeing her GP for more help.
If you or your partner have any concerns about PMS, it's important to talk to your GP.
Further information
- National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
0870 777 2178
www.pms.org.uk - Mind
0845 766 0163
www.mind.org.uk
Sources
- Lopez LM, Kaptein AA, Helmerhorst FM. Oral contraceptives containing drospirenone for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
- Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KMK, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
- Ford O, Lethaby A, Roberts H. Progesterone for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. www.cochrane.org
- Understanding premenstrual syndrome. Mind. www.mind.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
What is the difference between PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
PMDD is a more serious form of PMS. It can cause major disruption to your life and to your relationships. It's far less common than PMS, affecting between three and eight women in every 100.
Explanation
PMDD can seriously interfere with your life, making the weeks before your period unbearable. You're thought to have PMDD if you have at least five from a list of symptoms in the week before your period starts (and you have had them for most months in the past year). The symptoms include:
- a depressed mood
- emotional difficulties
- irritability and anger
- poor concentration
- tension and anxiety
- a loss of interest in your usual activities
- altered eating habits or food cravings
- disturbed sleep patterns
- lethargy and fatigue
- feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- physical symptoms, such as headaches, tender breasts, weight gain and feeling bloated
If you think you have PMDD, see your GP to get a diagnosis and rule out any other condition. He or she will ask you to describe your symptoms and when they occur. If they are severely interfering with your social and working life, and you have had them before almost every period in the last year, a diagnosis of severe PMS or PMDD will be considered. Your GP will ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms over the next two months. This will help to establish how severe your condition is and which treatment will suit you best.
Treatment is usually with medicines called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine. SSRIs are antidepressant medicines but appear to have a positive effect on both the physical and behavioural symptoms of PMS. They can take several months to start working so it's important to keep taking your medicine according to your GP's instructions.
If you have any questions or concerns about PMDD, talk to your GP.
Further information
- National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
0870 777 2178
www.pms.org.uk
Sources
- Lopez LM, Kaptein AA, Helmerhorst FM. Oral contraceptives containing drospirenone for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
- Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KMK, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
- Management of premenstrual syndrome. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, December 2007, Green-top Guideline No. 48. www.rcog.org.uk
- Brown J, O'Brien PMS, Marjoribanks J, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 3. www.cochrane.org
- PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 18 February 2009
Are there any complementary treatments that I can try to relieve my PMS?
Some women find complementary treatments can be helpful in easing symptoms of PMS. However, there is no scientific evidence that they actually work.
Explanation
The complementary medicines most commonly used to treat symptoms of PMS include:
- acupuncture
- homeopathy
- aromatherapy
- reflexology
- Gingko biloba
- herbal remedies
- light therapy - this involves sitting in front of a very bright light for a certain length of time each day
- chiropractic
A lot of scientific studies have investigated how effective these treatments are in relieving PMS symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and irritability. As yet, there is no evidence to confirm that they work. However, many women do find that they help them to relax and give them a sense of wellbeing, making them better able to cope with their symptoms.
Further information
- National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
0870 777 2178
www.pms.org.uk
Sources
- Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KMK, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. www.cochrane.org
- PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 18 February 2009
- Management of premenstrual syndrome. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, December 2007, Green-top Guideline No. 48. www.rcog.org.uk
- Complementary medicine: information pack for primary care groups. Department of Health, www.dh.gov.uk, June 2000
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2009
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) factsheet
Rate this page
