Beginning with the onset of their first menstrual period, many women begin to monitor the passage of days on their calendars as if counting down until the time of self-destruction. No doubt, about every 28 days for most women, the dreaded premenstrual "chaos" sets in, bringing on a myriad of mental and physical afflictions that often temporarily destroy normal sanity and composure. However, according to Obstetrician/Gynecologist Will Locke, MD, an OCH Staff Physician who practices at Starkville Clinic for Women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can usually be managed successfully if a woman will simply follow a few basic guidelines and the advice of her physician.

Dr. Locke said there is no official medical test to diagnose PMS; however, it's not imaginary. "PMS is a real medical condition from which as many as 80 percent of American women suffer," he said, explaining that the condition is referred to as 'premenstrual' because symptoms most often occur before the onset of menstruation, and 'syndrome' means the condition is characterized by a wide range of symptoms.

The obstetrician/gynecologist said PMS causes varying amounts of distress and discomfort from one woman to the next. "Some women may experience only one or two problems each month, while in about 10 percent of women, premenstrual symptoms are severe and lifestyle-altering," he said, adding that the most common symptoms of PMS include tension, irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, back pain, headaches, constipation and fatigue.

Because most of these symptoms are also be related to other conditions, Dr. Locke recommends that a woman keep a diary of her symptoms to verify that they follow a typical monthly PMS pattern and are not evidence of other underlying medical problems. He said this record can also help a woman track when symptoms are likely to occur each month and how long they will last so she can be prepared to cope with them.

Although physicians still don't know the exact cause of PMS, experts believe that it is triggered by monthly hormonal changes. Dr. Locke said research indicates that PMS symptoms are linked to certain chemicals produced in the brain.

"There is no actual cure for PMS. The best remedy is whatever works best to relieve your symptoms," the obstetrician/gynecologist said. He noted that when implemented during the two week period prior to menstruation, the following tips have helped to reduce PMS symptoms among some women: 

Reduce the amount of salt/sodium consumed. This can help reduce water retention, bloating and weight gain.  Reduce caffeine intake. This can help reduce breast tenderness. Eat a well-balanced diet and make time for healthy snacks. This can help reduce cravings for sweets and salty foods. Limit consumption of alcohol. It can intensify depression. Maintain an adequate exercise program. Exercise has been shown to improve emotional state and is a great stress reliever.

When a woman's PMS symptoms are severe, Dr. Locke recommends that she talk with her physician about the possibility of drug therapy. He said diuretics can help the body get rid of excess fluid that can cause bloating, and vitamins and hormone therapy have also been proven effective in some cases.

Dr. Locke said women who suffer from PMS will likely never completely overcome their monthly distress until they stop menstruating. However, by understanding their symptoms and making a few minor lifestyle modifications prior to their period, PMS sufferers can better cope with the changes their bodies undergo each month.

For more information about PMS, other women's health issues or an appointment, contact Dr. Locke or one of his colleagues, Drs. Thomas Pearson, Tommy Cobb, Chester Lott and Jan Furniss, at Starkville Clinic for Women, (662) 323-4427.