This syndrome is associated with emotional disturbances and includes a mixture of miseries, depression, tension and frequently, premenstrual headache. The breasts may become full, tense and painful causing comfort in wearing routine clothes. This may restrict daily activites and can modify the normal behavioural pattern. In fact, there is no patho- physiological basis for these symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

The list of potential signs and symptoms for premenstrual syndrome is long, but most women only experience a few of these problems.

Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms

• Tension or anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Crying spells
• Mood swings and irritability or anger
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
• Social withdrawal
• Poor concentration
• Change in libido

Physical signs and symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weight gain related to fluid retention
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne flare-ups
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Alcohol intolerance

For some, the physical pain and emotional stress are severe enough to affect their daily lives. Regardless of symptom severity, the signs and symptoms generally disappear within four days after the start of the menstrual period for most women.

CAUSES OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Exactly what causes premenstrual syndrome is unknown, but several factors may contribute to the condition:

• Cyclic changes in hormones. Signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome change with hormonal fluctuations and disappear with pregnancy and menopause.
• Chemical changes in the brain. Fluctuations of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that's thought to play a crucial role in mood states, could trigger PMS symptoms. Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.
• Depression. Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, though depression alone does not cause all of the symptoms

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Proper case history taking is essential which include leading symptoms, nature of menstruation,character of earlier pregnancies, miscarriages, micturition, and if married, dysparunia and ant contraception being used, should be inquired into.

CALCAREA CARB

Useful for premenstrual syndrome when patient suffers from severe headache, colic, chilliness.Useful for leucorrhoea before menses.Given when mental excitement brings on dysmenorrhoea or cause menses to return.Also useful for swollen and tender breast before menses.

CALCAREA PHOS

Useful for premenstrual sexual organs with nymphomania and an irresistible desire before menses. There is voluptuous feeling as all the parts were filled with blood.There is pulsations in all the parts with an increased desire of urination.

BOVISTA

Useful for premenstrual syndrome when there is diarrhoea before and after menses. Given when Menses are worse at night. There is acrid. Corrosive leucorrhoea.

KALI CARB

Useful for premenstrual syndrome with water retention , swollen breasts and violent colicky pains before menstruating.Suited when  moods keep on changing, patient is irritable and weeps.

LAC CANNUM

Useful for swollen and painful breast before menses which is relieved after the flow sets in.Useful when symptoms alternate from right to left side.

PULSATILLA

Useful for maniacal state before menses. There is bleeding from nose before and after suppressed menses.

CONIUM

Useful for elderly people who is unable to sustain mental efforts. Given when breasts become enlarged and are painful at every step.Recommended for patient who is sad and dissatisfied with herself and surroundings.

FOLLICULINUM

Useful for Premenstrual symptoms include migraine, increased pain at the time of menses, weight gain without excessive eating, development of acne on the forehead, seborrhea in the nostrils and becoming hypersensitive to noise, contact and heat.Also useful for vulvul pruritus and backache that may disappear on the third day. Useful breasts become enormous, swollen and cannot bear touch and pressure. Appearance of menses relieves the same.

FEMOCARE