Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

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Pre-menstrual syndrome is probably better known by the acronyms "PMS" or "PMT", which stands for "pre-menstrual tension".

Suggested causes

This condition, which does not affect every woman to the same extent - and does not affect some women to any discernable extent, has been associated with the accumulation of salt and water in tissues within the body.

• The hormone progesterone has been suggested as a possible cause.
• Deficiency of fatty acids has also been observed.
• Some writers have suggested that this condition is wholly or largely psychological.

There has been and continues to be much debate about this subject.

Effect (Symptoms)

Some or all of the following have been said to affect some women for up to about 10 days prior to menstruation:

• nervousness
• irritability
• emotional disturbance
• headache
• depression

See also endocrine conditions and disorders (all on one page).

Further information about the endocrine system includes the introduction to the endocrine system and an explanation of what endocrinology means and includes.