Premenstrual syndrome

A combination of physical and mood disturbances that occur in the last half of a woman's menstrual cycle, after ovulation, and normally end with the onset of the menstrual flow. Abbreviated PMS. Physical features of PMS include breast tenderness and bloating. Psychological changes can include anger, mood changes, and depression. The most helpful diagnostic tool for PMS is a menstrual diary. Treatment of PMS includes exercise, dietary changes, emotional support of family and friends, and medications, including diuretics, pain killers, oral contraceptives, drugs that suppress ovarian function, and antidepressants.