Women's Health - Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Flashcards
Q: What is PMS, and when do symptoms typically occur?
A: PMS refers to symptoms affecting women a week or two before their period. Symptoms can extend into the first few days of menses.
Q: What percentage of women experience PMS, and when is it most prevalent?
A: Up to 80% of women experience PMS, with peak occurrence in their 30s and 40s.
Q: What is PMDD, and how is it different from PMS?
A: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of PMS, affecting 1–10% of women, with at least one affective symptom like anger or irritability during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Q: What conditions may worsen PMS symptoms?
A: Conditions like hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), depression, and anxiety may worsen during PMS.
Q: What are some non-physical symptoms of PMS?
A: Mood swings, irritability, low mood, anxiety, poor concentration, food cravings, reduced cognitive ability, and increased accidents.
Q: What are some physical symptoms of PMS?
A: Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, backache, weight gain, acne, and gastrointestinal upset.
Q: What are the four subtypes of PMS, and what causes each?
A:
PMS-A (anxiety): High oestrogen-to-progesterone ratio, causing irritability and anxiety.
PMS-C (craving): Blood glucose imbalance, hypoglycaemia, or low magnesium, causing sugar cravings and increased appetite.
PMS-D (depression): Low oestrogen-to-progesterone ratio and neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., low serotonin).
PMS-H (hyperhydration): Water retention from high aldosterone, excess salt, or magnesium deficiency, causing weight gain and bloating.
Q: How do hormonal interactions contribute to PMS?
A: PMS may result from high progesterone causing GABA receptor resistance or low progesterone leading to oestrogen dominance.
Q: Name some lifestyle factors that increase PMS risk.
A: Smoking, obesity (BMI > 30), high dairy and sugar intake, low protein intake, and alcohol consumption.
Q: How can stress and chronic conditions affect PMS?
A: Chronic stress and reduced cortisol awakening response (CAR) are linked to PMS. Stress also exacerbates neurotransmitter imbalances.
Q: What is the primary dietary focus in managing PMS?
A: The CNM Naturopathic Diet with a hormone-balancing approach, which optimises oestrogen-to-progesterone balance and includes hydration, fibre, and nutrient-dense foods.
Q: What foods and beverages should be avoided to minimise PMS symptoms?
A: High GI/GL foods, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, dairy, and processed or red meats.
Q: How can oestrogen-to-progesterone balance be supported in PMS management?
A: Include B vitamins, magnesium, high fibre, cruciferous vegetables, broccoli sprouts, and phytoestrogens like red clover tea.
Q: How can blood glucose levels be balanced to reduce PMS symptoms?
A: Focus on low GI/GL foods, plant-based diets, and nutrients like alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Q: What nutrients and interventions help reduce inflammation in PMS?
A:
Omega-3 fatty acids, GLA (evening primrose oil, borage oil).
Eliminate inflammatory foods like dairy, sugar, and hydrogenated oils.
Increase antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E.
