Menstrual Cycle Pain and Premenstrual Syndrome Flashcards
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
PMS includes psychological, physical, and behavioral changes occurring premenstrually. Symptoms can sometimes be pathologized or misdiagnosed as serious mental health conditions.
How common is dysmenorrhea and PMS?
Dysmenorrhea affects nearly 50% of women during menses, with symptoms reported by 91%. PMS affects 20%–25% of women; symptoms are often normal, not pathological.
What is dysmenorrhea, and what causes the pain?
Dysmenorrhea is painful cramps during menstruation caused by intense uterine contractions. Prostaglandin production triggers uterine contractions, reducing blood flow, causing ischemia and pain.
What are the two types of dysmenorrhea?
Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pain without pelvic pathology, common within 1–2 years of menarche, caused by prostaglandin production.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Pain due to pelvic pathology (e.g., endometriosis, uterine fibroids).
What are the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea?
Abdominal cramps, headache, backache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and sleep disorders.
How does Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) differ from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
PMS: Mild to moderate symptoms affecting physical and psychological well-being during the late luteal phase, resolving with menstruation.
PMDD: Severe cognitive, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that impair daily functioning, relationships, and work.
What are the prevalence rates of PMS and PMDD?
PMS affects 20%–25% of women.
PMDD affects 3%–5% of women and is a risk factor for suicide.
What tools are used for assessing PMS and PMDD?
Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP): Symptom tracking for 2 months. Pre-Menstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST): Used to assess severity and timing.
What are nonpharmacologic treatments for dysmenorrhea?
Heat therapy. Lifestyle changes: regular exercise, stress management, and healthy diet. Vitamin and herbal supplements: Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. Acupuncture.
What are pharmacologic treatments for dysmenorrhea?
NSAIDs: First-line treatment. Hormonal options: COCs, progestin products, LNG-IUD, DMPA injections. Surgical interventions are not recommended.
What are the therapeutic goals for PMS and PMDD management?
Understanding and managing symptoms through education, self-awareness, and evidence-based interventions. Collaborative care with self-care, social support, and psychosocial strategies.
What nonpharmacologic therapies are used for PMS and PMDD?
Acupuncture, dietary supplements, botanicals, traditional therapies. Health-promoting strategies: balanced diet, adequate exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction.
What pharmacologic treatments are available for PMS and PMDD?
SSRIs: First-line treatment for PMDD. COCs: Combined oral contraceptives for symptom management. Anxiolytics: Limited evidence. Diuretics: Not recommended due to potassium depletion.
How is PMS or PMDD assessed?
Tracking symptoms over two consecutive months using tools like DRSP. Understanding the timing, severity, and resolution of symptoms.
What conditions must be ruled out during assessment?
Endocrine, psychiatric, and other disorders that mimic PMS or worsen during the premenstrual phase.
