Premenstrual Syndrome and Spironolactone

A double blind placebo controlled randomized cross over study was conducted to assess the response to spironolactone by patients suffering from 'Premenstrual Syndrome'. Somatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms were self-assessed daily and a total score was calculated for each symptom for the 14 days prior to menstruation. No significant difference was noted for the symptoms assessed on or off spironolactone. The levels of oestradiol, progesterone and prolactin showed no changes from the first to the second half of the cycle. In those patients who did respond to spironolactone, a significant difference in androgen levels from the follicular to the luteal phase of the cycle prior to treatment was demonstrated. Significant differences in androgen levels from the follicular to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may therefore be an important determinant in predicting those patients with premenstrual syndrome likely to respond to spironolactone therapy.     

Premenstrual Tension Syndrome

The premenstrual syndrome is discussed in relation to prevalence, symptomatology, severity, and time course. Methodologic problems common to the study of the menstrual cycle are presented. The research on psychologic and physiologic etiologies is reviewed, and results of studies on various treatment modes are discussed. Newer theories suggesting a combined psychophysiologic etiology and concomitant nonpharmaceutical treatment modes encompassing self-care and stress management skills are included.     

Premenstrual Syndrome in Thai Nurses

Objective. To investigate prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its associated factors among Thai nurses.

Methods. The study was conducted in 423 nurses in a university hospital during October 2005 to March 2006. Prevalence of PMS was determined using a validated Thai version of Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Factors associated with PMS were analyzed using Student t-test and Chi-square test.

Results. The prevalence of PMS in Thai nurses was 25.1%. Nurses with younger age, nulligravida, lower income, more coffee consumption, dysmenorrhea, and negative attitude toward menstruation had higher prevalence of PMS. After multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant factors associated with PMS were coffee consumption >1 cups/day and negative attitude toward menstruation; odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.322 (1.257 to 4.288) and 5.768 (2.096 to 15.872), respectively.

Conclusion. According to the Thai PSST, 25.1% of Thai nurses are suffering from PMS. The significant associated factors were more coffee consumption and negative attitude toward menstruation.     

The Premenstrual Syndrome in Chinese

A questionnaire survey of 84 Chinese nurses was carried out to assess the presence of premenstrual syndrome. More than half of the respondents reported emotional changes and backache premenstrually. There were significant associations between nausea and breast changes, irritability and depression, body and skin changes, finally between backache and the 3 symptoms of irritability, headache and the necessity to take time off work.     

The Premenstrual Syndrome: Current Findings, Treatment, and Implications for Nurses

Premenstrual tension is a widely occurring cross-cultural phenomenon. Its etiology is largely unknown, although common symptoms can be identified. During the premenstrual phase personality disorders and accidents increase. Nurses need to understand the menstrual cycle and the related premenstrual syndrome that occurs. They should be able to offer appropriate counsel to others and to be aware of the risks of diminished mental alertness in their own life cycles.     

螺内酯治疗经前期综合征的观察性研究

目的：观察螺内酯治疗经前期综合征（PMS）的疗效。方法：60例PMS患者随机分为螺内酯组（观察组,30例）及维生素B6组（对照组,30例）,并给予相应药物治疗;治疗前后分别使用焦虑自评量表（SAS）及抑郁自评量表（SDS）对患者焦虑及抑郁进行评分,并比较患者血浆醛固酮、血钾、血钠及尿量变化。结果：治疗前上述指标组间差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0.05）;治疗后观察组的SAS评分显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,但SDS评分组间差异无统计学意义。治疗后观察组醛固酮及血钠水平较治疗前明显降低,且明显低于对照组（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;治疗后观察组尿量较治疗前增加,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,且明显多于对照组（P〈0.01）,但2组治疗后的血钾水平差异无统计学意义。结论：螺内酯对PMS患者具有较理想的抗焦虑作用,并且可以改善体液代谢紊乱,其疗效优于维生素B6。     

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Contemporary Diagnosis and Management

Most ovulatory women experience premenstrual symptoms (premenstrual syndrome, molimina) which indicate impending menstruation and are of little clinical relevance because they do not affect quality of life. A few women, however, experience significant physical and/or psychological symptoms before menstruation that, if left untreated, would result in deterioration in functioning and relationships. The precise etiology remains elusive, although new theories are gaining support in pre-clinical and early clinical trials. Refined diagnostic criteria allow better discrimination of this condition from other psychiatric diagnoses and the selection of symptom appropriate therapies that afford relief for most women. Pharmacotherapies (particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs) represent the first-line treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and severe, mood-related premenstrual syndrome. Continuous combined oral contraceptives have limited evidence for usefulness in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, whereas medical ovarian suppression is often recommended for patients who fail to respond or cannot tolerate first-line treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The use of cognitive behavioural therapies is promising, but it remains limited by sparse data and restricted access to trained professionals. A proper diagnosis (particularly the distinction from other underlying psychiatric conditions) is crucial for the implementation of effective therapy and alleviation of this impairing condition.     

螺内醋治疗经前期综合征的观察性研究

目的:观察螺内酯治疗经前期综合征(PMS)的疗效.方法:60例PMS患者随机分为螺内酯组(观察组,30例)及维生素Bs组(对照组,30例),并给予相应药物治疗;治疗前后分别使用焦虑自评量表(SAS)及抑郁自评量表(SDS)对患者焦虑及抑郁进行评分,并比较患者血浆醛固酮、血钾、血钠及尿量变化.结果:治疗前上述指标组间差异...     

Fish Consumption and Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysphoric Disorder in Japanese Collegiate Athletes

Study ObjectiveTo determine the specific characteristics of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in Japanese collegiate athletes, with a focus on their fish consumption.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA university in Osaka, the largest city in western Japan.Participants and InterventionsThe participants were 312 female collegiate students. The study group was composed of 200 students who were members of sport clubs, and the control (nonathletes) group was composed of 112 members of cultural clubs.Main Outcome MeasuresPremenstrual symptoms and social activities.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate to severe PMS and PMDD in the study group was the same as in nonathletes. The prominent feature of premenstrual symptoms in athletes was that the severities of ‘physical symptoms’ and ‘performance in training or competition’ were much greater than those of nonathletes (P = .003 and P = .002, Mann–Whitney U test). There was a greater effect of PMS and PMDD on athletes, affecting their physical symptoms and performance compared with nonathletes. In terms of dietary habits, ‘fish or dried fish’ consumption was associated with a decreased risk of poor performance in athletes (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.92).ConclusionThe results from this study indicate that fish consumption might be positively associated with the relief of PMS/PMDD-induced athletic disturbance.     

Premenstrual syndrome: concerns, controversies, and treatment

Premenstrual syndrome is of interest to health care professionals today because of media attention and large numbers of women who are concerned about their premenstrual symptoms. At the same time, there is a lack of consensus as to diagnostic criteria and specific treatment. There appears to be a relationship between mood disorders such as major depression and luteal phase symptoms. An approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient with premenstrual syndrome is described.