"I have terrible PMS ( premenstrual syndrome) one minute I love my husband the next minute I could rip his head off.  What can I do to feel better and more in control?"

PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a regular pattern of physical and/or emotional symptoms that comes before the time when a woman starts her period. It is severe enough to disrupt her life. PMS can take many forms as are the women who suffer from it.

What Causes PMS?

The cause(s) of PMS or premenstrual syndrome is not known.
There are many theories and ideas.

Dr. Bruce Bekkar in his book Your Guy's Guide to Gynecology lists the following as the most popular theories as to what causes PMS:

• Neurotransmitter dysfunction (neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow cells in the nervous system to "talk" to each other).
• Progesterone deficiency
• Prostaglandin imbalance ( prostaglandins are powerful chemicals that affect
  the pelvic organs).
• Fluid retention (actual this is a common symptom of PMS).
• Psychosomatic illness ( or it's all in her head).
• Neurotransmitters, serotonin in particular, seem the most promising candidates at the present time.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Most women have some combination of the physical and emotional effects. The above are the most common; more than 150 different symptoms have been attributed to PMS.

Dr. Bruce Bekkar writes, "Because of the wide variety of symptoms of women with PMS, some attempts are now being made to standardize the diagnosis.

The following criteria have been suggested:

• Cyclic premenstrual symptoms
• Increase in severity of symptoms as the menstrual period approaches
• Relief that comes with the menstrual flow
• At least 7 to 10 days per month free from symptoms
• Three consecutive cycles affected
• Symptoms significantly interfere with work/social activities or
  relationships with other people

What can you do?

There are a number of things you can do to feel better and more in control of your moods:

1. Cut out fats, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which hinder the liver's breakdown of estrogen.
2. Eat fiber rich  foods: beans, whole grains, vegetables, and foods high in vitamin B6: leafy greens, nuts, chicken.
3. Take 1000 milligrams of calcium and 500 milligrams of magnesium every day.

According to Dr. Bruce Bekkar the author of, Your Guy's Guide to Gynecology, the physical symptoms can include:

• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Generalized swelling
• Uterine cramps
• Crying spells
• Anxiety
• Clumsiness
• Loss ( or increase) in sex drive
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Anger
• Aggression

also see:

• Attack of the Killer Hormones
  A humorous cyber-drama of PMS from Dr. Bruce's book
• Top Ten Things You Don't Say to A Women with PMS

Meet the Author
Bruce Bekkar, MD
"Your Guy's Guide to Gynecology"
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Interview & FREE excerpt
Dr. Bruce Bekkar has written a book just for him and YOU.  His book covers the ABCs of women's reproductive health, he removes the secret curtain that surrounds "that part" of a woman' s body.  Not only is his book enlightening for any man but really helps women get in touch with how her body works- whether it's during pregnancy, menopause, or during her monthly menstrual cycle. In the interview, Dr. Bruce discusses: Getting Your Partner Interested, Myths & Misconceptions, and a humorous, but enlightening drama on PMS: "Attack of the Killer Hormones" and "Top Ten Things You Don't Say to a Woman with PMS!"

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