HER HEALTH - Monique Rainford

I hear much more often about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in everyday conversation, in movies and on television than I actually see in clinical practice. Perhaps some women who experience this condition suffer in silence since they believe that their condition is 'normal'. However, for women who are anxious to get help, it is a real condition and there is treatment available.

A woman has PMS if she has regular symptoms with a specific relationship to her periods and these symptoms affect her life in some manner. It occurs in about five to 10 per cent of women. Some symptoms that may be experienced include depression, anxiety, confusion, irritability, breast tenderness, headache and abdominal bloating. They need to occur consistently (at least three menstrual cycles) in the five days before the period and improve by the fourth day of the menses.

Keep a diary

It may occur in women of any age or socioeconomic status, although it may be more common as women get older. If a woman suspects that she has PMS, keeping a diary for a few months with the dates of her symptoms in relation to her menses maybe helpful in confirming her diagnosis.

Certain medical and psychiatric conditions may worsen in the period around the menses and many women who may think that they have PMS may have one of these other conditions. These include depression, migraines, seizure disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aerobic exercise may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of PMS. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin E supplements have also been shown to have some efficacy. Certain antidepressants and certain types of hormone therapy have also been proven to be effective against PMS.

RESPONSE TO READER'S MAIL

Dear Doc,

I am 30 years old and hope to have a child this year and, yes, it is my husband's wish and mine, too. However, I am a bit scared as I can't picture myself pregnant and for nine months. Wow! But anyway, nine months is not long anymore. Do you have any advice for first-time mothers on the joys and pains of motherhood? I am also a university student so I am wondering how I will be able to cope. The good thing is that by the time I have a child and he or she is ready for school, I would have finished university and we will be able to focus on our daughter's or son's schooling.

Concerned mother-to-be

Dear Concerned Mother-to-be,

Thank you for your open and honest question. There are indeed joys and pains of motherhood and pregnancy can be a challenging time, but I would encourage you to focus on the positives.

Someone dear to me, whom I delivered several years ago, brings some of these challenges to mind. Although she had been married for a few years, had a good job and a supportive husband, her pregnancy came as somewhat of a surprise and she was afraid at first. During the pregnancy, she also had a test result which raised some fears that her baby had Down's syndrome. Fortunately, follow-up tests revealed that the infant would not have this condition. Later, she went on to deliver a beautiful, healthy baby.

She mentioned to me that she did not know that she was capable of loving as much as the love that she felt for her child. I believe that these words will stay with me forever. So my advice to you is, by all means, educate yourself about pregnancy, eat well and exercise, and see your gynaecologist for a preconception visit. Try to find a supportive network to help with your childrearing. But through it all, remember the positives.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.