<unk>  <unk>  refers to emotional and physical symptoms that regularly occur in the one to two weeks before the start of each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve around the time menstrual bleeding begins. Different women experience different symptoms. The common emotional symptoms include irritability and mood changes. The common physical symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, and feeling tired. These are nonspecific symptoms and may be seen in women without<unk> . Often<unk> -related symptoms are present for about six days. An individual's pattern of symptoms may change over time. Symptoms do not occur during pregnancy or following menopause. Diagnosis requires a consistent pattern of emotional and physical symptoms occurring after ovulation and before menstruation to a degree that interferes with normal life. Emotional symptoms must not be present during the initial part of the menstrual cycle. A daily list of symptoms over a few months may help in diagnosis. Other disorders that cause similar symptoms need to be excluded before a diagnosis is made. The cause of<unk>  is unknown, but the underlying mechanism is believed to involve changes in hormone levels. Reducing salt, alcohol, caffeine, and stress along with increasing exercise is typically all that is recommended in those with mild symptoms. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be useful in some. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help with physical symptoms. In those with more significant symptoms birth control pills or the diuretic spironolactone may be useful. Up to 80% of women report having some symptoms after ovulation and before the beginning of menstruation, but these symptoms generally do not cause substantial disruption. These symptoms qualify as<unk>  in approximately 20 to 30% of pre-menopausal women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of<unk>  that has greater psychological symptoms. PMDD affects 3 to 8% of pre-menopausal individuals. Antidepressant medication of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class may be used for PMDD in addition to the usual measures for<unk> .
Premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Menstrual disorder
Postpartum depression
Postmenopausal confusion
Postpartum disorder
Lactational amenorrhea
Female hysteria