Menopause In Multiply Languages includes Arabic, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, French, Gaelic, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean and more…
Umbrella What may the Menopause In Multiply Languages Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
Menopause In Different/Many/Multiply/Other Languages
Menopause Information In Different/Many/Multiply/Other Languages
Menopause Multilingual Fact Sheets
Menopause Translations
Date
What can it be important to be clear about with menopause in multiply languages information?
It can be important to be clear about the date of all information including the date of menopause in multiply languages information because this information may have been updated.
Health Care Provider
What if I would like to find out what menopause in multiply languages information is applicable to me?
If you would like to find out what menopause in multiply languages information is applicable to you, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause In Multiply Languages?
Where may I find Links related to Menopause In Multiply Languages?
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This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
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“Like any medicine, the hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can cause side effects. But it’s common to have no side effects or only mild ones.
Any side effects usually improve over time, so it’s a good idea to carry on with your treatment for at least 3 months if possible.
To help with side effects, a GP might suggest changing your dose, the type of HRT you take or how you take it. For example, switching from tablets to patches”.2
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Different Differences
Can the side effects of oestrogen differ from the side effects of progestogen?
“Initiating treatment with low-dose MHT will minimize the likelihood of adverse effects. Common adverse effects of estrogen include nausea (mostly limited to oral therapy) and breast tenderness. Breakthrough bleeding is not unexpected in the first 3 months of continuous-combined estrogen–progestogen therapy, and occasionally heavy bleeding can occur. Progestogen therapy may cause low mood or irritability. When this occurs either the dose needs to be reduced or another progestogen tried. Micronized progesterone may improve sleep and sometimes causes somnolence, and so should be taken at bedtime. Changing from one regimen to another in many cases will alleviate adverse effects.
Potential adverse effects of tibolone include fluid retention, mild weight gain and initial vaginal bleeding or spotting”.7
Health Care Provider
What if I need help with my HT side effects?
If you need help with your HT side effects, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
“It can take around six months to find the right MHT. Once you’ve found an MHT that works for you, it’s important to review it with your doctor each year”.8
“Optimally, women using systemic MHT should have a medical review at 3 months to assess symptom relief and side effects. This is also an opportunity to discuss any patient concerns and ensure correct use of the prescribed therapy”.9
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Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Possible Side Effects of MHT: Break Through Bleeding. Last Updated: 19 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 04 April 2024
Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Effectiveness: Managing Clinical Side Effects of MHT Therapy. First Published Online 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 04 April 2024
Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? Last Updated: 19 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 04 April 2024
Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Effectiveness: Managing Clinical Side Effects of MHT Therapy. First Published Online 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 04 April 2024
“It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina
cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous
washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge”.1
Umbrella
What may the Vaginal and Vulval Hygiene Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
“It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge”.2
“The term, douche, which means “to wash” or “to shower” in French, refers to cleansing the vagina using a solution of water mixed with another fluid — often vinegar, baking soda or some sort of perfume”.3
“The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina”.4
Bath/Shower
Is douching different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower?
“Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems”.5
“Most doctors recommend that women do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina.
A healthy vagina has good and harmful bacteria. The balance of bacteria helps maintain an acidic environment. The acidic environment protects the vagina from infections or irritation.
Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious health problem.
Douching is also linked to other health problems”.6
“Just in case you have been wondering if your vulval problem is happening because you aren’t washing enough….you don’t have a hygiene problem. Using soap, particularly if this is done frequently, will in fact make your skin more sensitive. It is best to avoid soap, particularly perfumed liquid soaps, abrasive washes and wet wipes. A soap substitute, available from your chemist, or simply soaking in a bath with a couple of handfuls of ordinary salt thrown in is the best way to clean vulval skin”.7
Postmenopause Odour
Postmenopause or after menopause, may vaginal smell change?
“Lack of estrogen can be the cause if you’re past menopause and are experiencing vaginal odor. Your doctor will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options”.9
Health Care Provider
What if I am worried about what is going on down there?
If you are worried about what is going on down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH note:
“If you are worried about the smell, or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or pain when you wee, see your doctor”.10
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This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
Douching: What Is the Best Way To Clean My Vagina? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
Douching: What Is the Best Way To Clean My Vagina? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
Douching: Why Should Women Not Douche? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 04 April 2024
“While not a problem for everyone transitioning through menopause, the risk of mood changes and symptoms of depression and anxiety are higher during perimenopause, even in women without a history of major depression”.3
“There are often things, known as triggers, that can lead to anxiety. These can be different for everyone. You can also have more than one trigger. You may not always be able to avoid your triggers, but when you recognise them, it can help you to manage your anxiety.
“It’s a good idea to try a range of self-help strategies. You might find different strategies work for different situations or symptoms. There is no right or wrong formula, so don’t be afraid to try them all”.5
“If you’re looking for information online, it is best to use websites, apps, and blogs from well-respected sources such as those with government backing or from an organisation with experts who understand anxiety”.7
Health Care Provider
What if I think I have anxiety or an anxiety disorder?
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Anxiety?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
“Endocrine Society is a global community of physicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and improving patient health and well being”.1
Umbrella What may the Endocrine Society Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
“Endocrine Society is a global community of physicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and improving patient health and well being”.2
Health Care Provider
What if I think I need to see an endocrinologist?
If you think you need to see an endocrinologist, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about a referral to an endocrinologist.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Endocrine Society?
Where may I find Links related to Endocrine Society?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
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“If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your
daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue,
mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.1
Umbrella What may the Night Sweats Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
Hot Flashes/Flushes At Night
Hot Flashes/Flushes That Occur During Sleeping
Night Sweats
Nighttime Hot Flashes
Vasomotor Symptoms
Definition
What are night sweats?
DotS the definition of night sweats may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:
“Night sweats are hot flashes at night that interfere with sleep”.2
Vasomotor Symptoms
What are vasomotor symptoms?
DotS the definition of vasomotor symptoms may vary. The NAM’s definition is:
“Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause”.3
“While it’s a myth that menopause itself makes women irritable, the sleep disturbances that stem from hot flashes and night sweats can certainly make a woman irritable”.5
Preventative Steps
What are some preventative steps to improve sleep quality?
“Regardless of what’s causing your night sweats, you can take preventative steps to improve your sleep quality. To keep cooler during bedtime:
Sip cool water throughout the night.
Use pillows and mattress covers that contain cooling gels.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, cotton or linen pajamas to bed.
Exercise daily by walking, swimming, dancing, bicycling, etc.
Use lightweight, layered bedding that you can remove as needed at night.
Unwind before bedtime using deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
Use a bedroom fan, sleep with your windows open, or crank up the air conditioning.
Keep a cold pack under your pillow, then flip your pillow to rest your head on a cool surface.
Avoid common night sweat triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and cigarettes or exercising immediately before bed”.6
Treatment
What are some treatments for night sweats?
The NAM’s explain:
“Treatments for night sweats and hot flashes include lifestyle changes, nonprescription remedies, hormone therapy (with estrogen plus progestogen, or estrogen alone for women without a uterus), and nonhormonal prescription drugs”.7
“If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.8
“Each woman must make her own decision about HT with the help of a healthcare professional. If you decide to take HT, the next step is to choose between the many HT options available to find the best dose and route for you. With guidance from your healthcare professional, you can try different forms of HT until you find the type and dose that treats your symptoms with few adverse effects”.9
“The decision whether to take HRT, the dose and duration of its use should be made on an individualised basis after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. This should be considered in the context of the overall benefits obtained from using HRT including symptom control and improving quality of life as well as considering the bone and cardiovascular benefits associated with HRT use. Discussions with women should also cover aspects such as when to consider stopping HRT and how this can be done (by gradually reducing the dose of HRT). No arbitrary limits should be set on age or duration of HRT intake”.10
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with my night sweats?
If you would like help with your night sweats, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic encourage us to seek help explaining:
“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.11
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Night Sweats?
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 03 April 2024
The theme for World Menopause Day is usually announced
by the International Menopause Society closer to
World Menopause Month which is held in October.1
Umbrella
What may the World Menopause Day 2023 Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this umbrella may include:
Menopause Awareness Day/Month
Menopause Day/Month
World Menopause Day/Month
World Menopause Day 2024
What is the theme for World Menopause Day (WMD) 2024?
The theme for World Menopause Day is usually announced by the International Menopause Society closer to World Menopause Month which is held in October.
“World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing”.3
World Menopause Month
What is World Menopause Month?
The IMS note:
“Since it is not always possible for local societies to arrange activities for this specific day, the IMS has now designated October as World Menopause Month. Local societies can also collaborate with other organizations working in the field of adult women’s health, such as societies for osteoporosis and breast cancer, to organize joint events. World Menopause Month can also be a call to implement policies that support research and treatment in the area of menopausal health”.4
Patient Information Leaflet
What do the IMS explain in their WMD 2023 Patient Information Leaflet about cardiovascular disease?
“Breast cancer is often believed to be the number one cause of death and disability in women. In reality, it is cardiovascular disease. The number of cases of cardiovascular disease is high… and continuing to rise.
But by understanding more about the causes and impacts of cardiovascular disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk.
“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include:
Coronary heart disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
Cerebrovascular disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
Peripheral arterial disease – a disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal development and functioning of the heart caused by malformations of the heart structure from birth; and
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs”.6
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to World Menopause Day 2024?
Where may I find Links related to World Menopause Day 2024?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself.
Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical
and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.1
Umbrella What may the Menopause Healthy Living Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
Menopause Healthy Lifestyle/Living
Menopause Lifestyle Management
Menopause Healthy Living
Is there an association between menopause and healthy living?
“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself. Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.2
“Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.3
“The importance of improving lifestyle factors such as good nutrition, being physically active, cessation of smoking, limiting alcohol and stress management should be highlighted, as healthy behaviors confer benefits to all women”.4
“However you choose to manage your menopause symptoms, your lifestyle choices are going to be the cornerstone of any treatment plan you choose.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other complementary and alternative treatments can all be very helpful, but the transition to menopause is a good time to review your lifestyle. Not only can this help manage menopausal symptoms in the short term, it can lay the foundations for good health through perimenopause, menopause, and the years to come”.5
Symptom Management
What is some general advice for symptom management?
“Overweight and obesity, and smoking are risk factors for VMS. Weight reduction may result in reduced VMS in overweight women and smoking cessation should be encouraged
Exercise, yoga and relaxation methods have not been found to be effective for VMS, but these activities may improve sleep and general well-being.”.6
What is VMS?
VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor symptoms e.g. Hot flushes and night sweats.
“A healthy lifestyle can minimize the effects of the menopause, helping to keep the heart and bones strong. Many women feel that this is a good time to review the way they treat their body. Here are some tips to consider:
Chew over your diet…
Keep on your feet…
Stop smoking…
Drink within reason…
Make use of health screening services…
Stay calm and positive…”.7
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with healthy living?
If you would like help with healthy living, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
The WHC also note:
“Some women breeze through a problem-free menopause, but most experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you feel that you are struggling, advice and support is widely available. The important thing is to be aware of any changes and to consult your GP for advice. Whatever the symptoms, help is available in a range of ways.
Above all, bear in mind that your health is your responsibility and that you are in charge. This is a time when your body deserves some tender loving care”.8
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Healthy Living?
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Healthy Living?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.
Hamoda, H, Mukherjee, A, Morris, E, Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P, Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 01 April 2024
Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 01 April 2024
Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management – Considerations for All Women At Menopause: General Advice for Symptom Management. Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 01 April 2024
https://www.menomartha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MenoMartha-2020-logo-340.png00MWDhttps://www.menomartha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MenoMartha-2020-logo-340.pngMWD2024-04-01 08:13:382024-04-02 14:59:21Menopause Healthy Living
“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of
physical and emotional symptoms many women
experience in the lead-up to a period”.1
Umbrella What may the Premenstrual Syndrome Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Mood Changes
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Tension (PMT)
Premenstrual Changes
What are premenstrual changes?
DotS the definition of premenstrual changes may vary. The (United States Massachusetts General Hospital) MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health explain:
“Many women in their reproductive years experience transient physical and emotional changes around the time of their period. In fact, at least 90% of women with regular menstrual cycles report unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms premenstrually. For the majority of women, these symptoms are mild and tolerable. However, for a certain group of women, these symptoms can be disabling and may cause significant disruption in their lives”.2
Premenstrual Syndrome
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
DotS the definition of PMS may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:
“Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is a broad term that typically refers to a general pattern of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring 1-2 weeks before and remitting with the onset of menses”.3
The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:
“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms many women experience in the lead-up to a period”.4
The (United States) Medline Plus’s definition is:
“Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. The symptoms may range from mild to severe”.5
“PMS is common, affecting from 30-80% of women of reproductive age, though clinically significant PMS symptoms have been reported in 3-8% of patients”.13
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
DotS the definition of PMDD may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:
“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome characterized by significant premenstrual mood disturbance, often with prominent mood reactivity and irritability. Symptoms of PMDD can emerge 1-2 weeks preceding menses and typically resolve with the onset of menses. This mood disturbance results in marked social or occupational impairment, with its most prominent effects in interpersonal functioning”.14
In Learn: PMDD the International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) definition is:
“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5.5% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause”.15
Depression or Not
How is depression different to PMS and PMDD?
The JH explain:
“PMS and PMDD have similar symptoms to depression. However, with PMS and PMDD, the symptoms get better completely as soon as menstruation begins, while those of depression do not.
PMS and PMDD need to be distinguished from underlying depression because the treatments are different”.16
“Mood disorders, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, can worsen during the premenstrual period and thus may mimic PMDD. When this occurs, the term premenstrual exacerbation or PME is used to refer to the mood worsening which occurs during the premenstrual phase. An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a PME of an underlying mood disorder”.17
“Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) are difficult to distinguish from each other”.18
“Doctors are still searching for the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome or PMDD. Hormone levels are the same in women with or without PMS/PMDD. But it is thought that women with PMS/PMDD have a greater response to the fall in hormones that occurs in the days before a period. There may also be changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. Some women have a genetic risk factor for PMDD. Undiagnosed depression or anxiety can also lead to problems”.19
Predictable Pattern
Do PMS symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern?
Yes. The Mayo Clinic explain:
“Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern. But the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome may vary from just slightly noticeable all the way to intense”.20
“PMDD cannot be diagnosed via blood, hormone, or saliva test. These tests can, however, rule out any underlying disorders including hormone imbalance or thyroid issues. The only way to currently test for PMDD is by tracking symptoms for a span of two more menstrual cycles”.21
In Menstrual Diary the (United Kingdom) National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome explain:
“A completed menstrual chart is the first step towards understanding your own menstrual health”.22
The JH note:
“It can be useful to keep a detailed daily diary of at least two menstrual cycles to see if there is a pattern with your symptoms to help you and your doctor discuss the best treatment options for you”.23
“It can be helpful to keep a note of your period dates and symptoms using a calendar, a diary or an app. You can then discuss this with your doctor who can decide if any tests or treatments might be needed”.24
Diary
Where may I find a diary to keep a record of any symptoms I have?
“Yes. PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause.
This is especially true for women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. In the years leading up to menopause, your hormone levels also go up and down in an unpredictable way as your body slowly transitions to menopause. You may get the same mood changes, or they may get worse.
PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get a period”.26
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME?
If you would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH note:
“If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, see your doctor or seek referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in PMS”.27
“See your provider if you’re unable to get relief from your PMS symptoms. To get the most out of your visit, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your period in detail. Track your period and symptom history on a calendar, planner or app. Be prepared to share information about your period start and stop dates and your symptoms (including how mild or severe) for at least two consecutive periods”.28
“As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:
Hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
Cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy
Antidepressants
Dietary Supplements
If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.
This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor”.29
Who is a GP?
DotS and DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Premenstrual Syndrome?
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2024
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