PMS Flashcards
Evidence re PMS and vitamin B6?
Sudies for vitamin B6 efficacy in PMS are contradictory.
Advise dose restriction to 10mg
Risk of high dose of vitamin B6?
Peripheral neuropathy
restrict dose to 10mg OD
What is Core premenstrual disorder (PMD)
(premenstrual syndrome, PMS
or premenstrual dysphoric
disorder)
Core PMD also known as premenstrual syndrome, PMS
or premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
Cyclical pre-menstrual symptoms present during the luteal phase
Abate as menstruation begins
Followed by a symptom-free week
Affects quality of life
what is Premenstrual exacerbation?
The pre-menstrual exacerbation of an underlying disorder.
Symptoms cyclical and relieved by menstruation
But NO symptom-free week
Affects quality of life
Regular menstruation
Existing non-menstrual condition
what is Non-ovulatory PMD?
PMS symptoms occur in presence of ovarian activity without ovulation.
Mechanism not fully understood
Progestogen induced PMDs
Cyclical pre-menstrual symptoms
Symptom-free week
Affects quality of life
Associated with exogenous progestogen treatment
what is PMDs with absent menstruation
Functioning ovarian cycle No menstruation - Reasons such as hysterectomy, endometrial ablation or LNG-IUS cyclical symptoms Symptom-free week Affects QOL
what are symptoms of PMS?
Combination of psychological and physical symptoms. Impact on daily activity during the luteal phase Fatigue Headaches Anxiety Low mood Irritability Mood swings Bloating Mastalgia Altered appetite Altered libido
Prevalence of PMS?
Prevalence PMS 24-40%.
How is PMS diagnosed?
Diagnosis is confirmed using a symptom diary
The symptom diary should not be done retrospectively
Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) is the preferred tool.
GnRH analogues may be used for three months to establish diagnosis if symptom diary inconclusive.
First line treatments for PMS
First line treatments for PMS are
- Exercise
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Vitamin B6
- Combined new generation pill (cyclically or continuous)
- Continuous or luteal phase (day 15-28) low dose SSRI e.g. citalopram 10 mg
Second line treatment for PMS
Second line treatment for PMS
- Estradiol patches (100 micrograms) WITH micronised progesterone (100-200 mg on day 17-28 orally or vaginally) ORLNG-IUS 52 mg
- Higher dose SSRI continuously or luteal phase e.g. citalopram 20-40 mg
Third line treatment for PMS
Third line treatment for PMS
- GnRH analogues AND add-back HRT (continuous combined oestrogen + progesterone)
- Tibolone
Fourth line treatment for PMS
Surgical treatment ± HRT
When should women with PMS be referred to a gynaecologist?
Referral to a gynaecologist should be considered when simple measures have failed
(e.g. combined oral contraceptives, vitamin B6, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, exercise)
And when the severity of the PMS justifies gynaecological intervention.
What is the role for CBT in PMS management
CBT should be considered routinely as one of the first line treatment options