Premenstrual syndromes

Premenstrual syndromes (PMS) are a group of menstrually related, chronic, c yclical disorders manifested by emotional and physical symptoms in the seco nd half of the menstrual cycle. A diagnosis of PMS is based on the timing a nd symptom pattern observed in daily symptom reports maintained by the pati ent. The etiology is unknown but is believed to involve genetic and dynamic ally evolving vulnerability, reproductive hormones, and neurotransmitters, as well as other brain processes. Effective medications have been identifie d for acute hormonal and symptomatic treatment of the disorder, but the tim e course and frequency of relapse and recurrence remain poorly understood. Further studies of PMS in all areas-etiology, pathobiology, diagnosis, cour se of illness, and treatment efficacy-are needed to increase the body of in formation about the menstrual cycle's effects on women's health and mood di sorders.