Premenstrual syndrome

Question 1

Define premenstrual syndrome/

Answer 1

Physiological and emotional disturbances 1 to 2 week prior to menses

Question 2

Cause of premenstrual syndrome

Answer 2

Multifactoral, genetic and hormone effect involving NT serotonin dysfunction

Question 3

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Answer 3

Occurs about 1 week before onset of menses
Characterised by irritability, emotional lability, headache, anxiety and depression. Somatic symptoms: oedema, wt gain, breast pain, scope, and paresthesias

Question 4

Treatment of premenstrual syndrome and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Answer 4

symptomatic

• analgesic for pain
• sedative for anxiety and insomnia
• Short course SSRI shown to help e.g. fluoxetine and alprazolam
• Diuretics for fluid retention

Question 5

criteria for premenstrual syndrome

Answer 5

1 of affective and somatic symptom in the 1 week before menses and resolved after menses.
Affective = depression, irritability, anxiety, confusion and social withdrawal
Somatic symptoms = breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headache, swelling of extremities

Question 6

What to exclude

Answer 6

medical and surgical causes of symptoms e.g. endometriosis.