What is PMS?
PMS is a term which means Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), sometimes referred to as Pre Menstrual Tension (PMS). It refers to a constellation of symptoms that, when combined, form the basis of this diagnostic term. It’s a medical term used to describe associated mental and physical problems that occur usually during the second half of the menstrual cycle, although PMS has been observed in many women throughout their cycle.The main clue in diagnosing PMS is not so much the nature, but the cyclic timing of these symptoms. Symptoms appear around Day 12-14 right through to your period. Some women can display PMS symptoms unabated, even after their period has passed, though a majority will find relief after menstruation commences.
Dr. Katharina Dalton, a British physician, originally coined the term “premenstrual syndrome” (PMS) in 1953 and soon after established the world’s first PMS clinic in London. This syndrome certainly existed for many years before this time, but only in the last 50 has it been given attention as a medical disorder. Premenstrual symptoms have been defined as physical, mood, and behavioral symptoms that: 1) appear or change in severity during the luteal phase (second half) of the menstrual cycle; 2) do not exist in the same form or severity during the mid or late folllicular phase (first half of the menstrual cycle); and 3) disappear or return to their usual severity during the full flow of menses (Halbreich et al 1985). There have been over 100 symptoms attributed to PMS. Women can experience a variety of symptoms which may differ month to month or year to year. PMS may be attributable to hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise, and physical and/or emotional stress. Resea
