PREMENSTRUAL-SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by an array of somatic, cogniti ve, affective and behavioral disturbances that recur in cyclic fashion during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The goal of managemen t is to control symptoms well enough that the patient can function app ropriately at all stages of the menstrual cycle. Both the patient and the physician must acknowledge that premenstrual syndrome is a complex reproductive disorder with a large number of possible manifestations; therefore, they must be willing to consider more than one strategy, a nd they must allow sufficient time to seek out successful therapeutic options. The patient must play an active role in all stages of managem ent. Although no specific cure for premenstrual syndrome currently exi sts, most patients experience significant reduction of symptoms and im provement of quality of life when a rational individualized approach i s used. Management may involve pharmacologic, nutritional and psychoso cial interventions.