Premenstrual syndrome is the term used to describe the group of symptoms that occur prior to the onset of menstruation in the normal female menstrual cycle.

PMS has been reported to affect 70% to 90% of the female population. Between 20% and 40% of females report some degree of temporary mental or physical dysfunction and between 2% and 5% develop severe symptoms.

It has been reported that between 20% to 40% of all women seek professional help with PMS symptoms, which crosses cultures and affects women of all races, socio-economic status and ages.

Increased age seems to play a role in the development of symptoms, with 50% of women between the age of 30 to 40 showing three or more symptoms of PMS.

The risk of PMS increases with certain events, such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, tubal ligation, menopause, use of oral contraceptives and major life stressors.

Common symptoms of PMS include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, increased appetite, headache, fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, depression, crying, forgetfulness, insomnia, fluid retention, weight gain, edema and swollen extremities, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating.

The exact cause in not fully known, although a dysfunction involving the brain and ovary axis is believed to occur. Current theories suggest PMS is secondary to estrogen excess, progesterone deficiency, low progesterone to........

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