Charting Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

For the millions of women who seek treatment for their symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, it is very beneficial to create a chart to bring along to the physicians office that includes at least two to three months of the symptoms experienced especially during the last two weeks of the twenty eight day menstrual cycle.

This is also known as the “luteal phase” which is fourteen days prior to the start of menstruation or bleeding. This chart will help to ensure a proper diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms associated with PMS.

Charting the Emotional and Physical Symptoms Associated with PMS

In order to make a PMS chart, you will need to write down the various symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and keep track of the days that you experience these symptoms starting with the first day of your monthly cycle which begins at the end of menstruation or bleeding. The following emotional and physical symptoms should be included in this chart:

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• Moodiness or mood swings.

• Irritability or outbursts of anger.

• Excessive crying, depression or social withdrawal.

• Fatigue or lethargy.

• Insomnia or other sleep difficulties.

• Anxiety or tension.

• Unable to control impulsive behavior.

• Lack of concentration or confusion.

• Water retention, bloating within the abdominal area, and weight gain.

• An increase in appetite as well as craving certain foods.

• Swelling, pain, or tenderness of the breasts.

• Headache

• Excessive thirst.

• Changes in skin condition or acne.

• Lower sex drive.

• Dizziness

• Changes in bowel habits, constipation, or diarrhea.

• Flushing or hot flashes.

Eliminating other causes of PMS

This PMS chart will help to eliminate other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms which appear to be premenstrual syndrome. These conditions can worsen during the luteal phase or fourteen days prior to the start of menstruation or bleeding and include depression, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, seizure disorders, and allergies.

Charting the symptoms of PMS is also beneficial in managing the symptoms by planning activities that may be challenging or stressful for other times of the month as well as helping family to be more supporting and understanding during the premenstrual cycle.

Diagnosing PMS

While it is estimated that eighty five percent of women will have some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that may be from mild to moderate, only five to ten percent of women will experience symptoms that are severe and require medical treatment.

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A diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome is typically made when the symptoms of PMS significantly interfere with daily activities and all other medical conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms has been ruled out.

“PMDD” or “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” is a more severe from of PMS that affects approximately three to eight percent of women during their childbearing years and is typically treated with a combination of medications, dietary and lifestyle changes.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that are severe or significantly interfering with your everyday life, it is essential that you make an appointment with your primary care physician or gynecologist for a medical evaluation.