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PMS: Signs And Symptoms

If the sadness and mood swings don't get you, the cramps and headaches just might. In fact, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects almost all women to some degree during their reproductive years.

In 30 percent to 40 percent of cases, symptoms are so severe that they interfere with normal day-to-day functioning. Once passed off as simply an unpleasant-but-inevitable part of being a woman, the symptoms many experience in conjunction with their monthly period are finally being seen as what they are -- signs of a legitimate medical problem.

PMS, a catch-all name for a myriad of physical and psychological symptoms, is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The exact cause, however, remains a mystery. Symptoms generally strike five-to-10 days before the period and dissipate with its start or soon after. But it's not "all in your head," as you've probably been told. Research has determined that women aren't imagining anything -- and, thankfully, there's help.

Researchers have pinpointed more than 150 PMS symptoms

Some Common PMS Symptoms

It's not always easy to decide if the symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor.

"If you have to give up an aerobics class, that's one thing," says Dr. Michelle Warren, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University. "But if symptoms interfere with your normal activities, if you can't concentrate, if you have to stay home and lie down, that's abnormal."

The good news is that many of the symptoms can be treated, and, in some instances, even prevented. Talking to a doctor is an important first step. While no diagnostic tests exist for PMS, a diagnosis can be made through tracking monthly symptoms to find patterns and discussing them with a doctor accustomed to treating the disorder.

There's no one-size-fits-all treatment. Rather, what will help depends on a woman's symptoms.

The Following Are a Number of Treatment Options:

Calcium -- One of the latest findings for treating PMS is regularly taking calcium carbonate -- found in Tums and certain calcium supplements -- twice a day, for a total of 1500 mg. Studies show that this significantly reduces symptoms of moodiness, depression, food craving and pain in many women. The dose of calcium provides a bonus of protecting against bone loss.

A wholesome diet -- Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains is a good idea. Cutting down on salt and increasing fluids will help to prevent bloating. Staying away from caffeine can reduce breast swelling and pain. Reducing sugar and alcohol intake lessens food cravings.

Pain relievers -- Over-the-counter remedies like aspirin, ibuprofen (in such brand names as Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and others) and naproxen (in Aleve) can reduce cramps, headaches and muscle pain. If that's not enough, stronger prescription medications are available. Warren recommends taking the medication three times a day for the three to five days before the period starts to reduce swelling and prevent pain. Continue the medication during your period as needed.

Stress reducers -- Stress can make symptoms worse. Exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and biofeedback can help. Exercise offers a possible bonus in the form of endorphins, natural painkillers produced in the brain and released during physical activity.

Antidepressants -- Research has found that women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder respond well to low doses of antidepressants, according to Dr. Margaret Spinelli, assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. This disorder is characterized by severe mood and behavioral symptoms such as depression, irritability, fatigue and disturbed sleep, during the two weeks prior to a woman's period. Symptoms are greatly reduced with the onset of the period. While such drug therapy acts primarily on psychological symptoms, "the fact is, sometimes when women feel better psychologically, the physical symptoms don't seem to bother them," Spinelli says.

Other options -- Progesterone suppositories, iron supplements, diuretics and the vitamins B6 and E offer additional treatment options. However, much controversy surrounds the safety and efficacy of such therapies. Consult with your doctor to see whether any of these options might help.

Whether or not you do go for treatment, it is important to be aware of your cycles and to recognize symptoms as they occur. Knowing when PMS may rear its ugly head and planning accordingly can make a big difference in your life.

Half Of US Males Affected By Prostatitis During Their Lifetimes

Estimates have revealed that the number of males in the U.S. Who will experience Prostatitis during their lifetime has gone up to 50 pct, indicating that the infection has become one of the most common urologic diseases in the country.

According to many urologic disease experts, around 5 to 10 pct American males are experiencing prostatitis at a particular time.

Prostatitis is a prostate gland infection causing intense pain, urinary complications, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and a significant reduction in the quality of life. This infection is difficult to diagnose and has many unbearable side-effects. It also affects the lives of young and middle-aged men, unlike prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostatitis has been divided into a number of categories, but common variations of the disease include nonbacterial, acute, and chronic. Of these the most common type of prostatitis is nonbacterial prostatitis.

Dr. Leroy Nyberg, Jr., director of Urology Programs at the National Institutes of Health, said that the treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis might include anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, taking hot baths, drinking extra fluids, learning to relax when urinating, and ejaculating frequently.

"Some physicians also may recommend some changes in a patient's diet," said Dr. Nyberg.

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be caused due to bacteria, a virus, or a sexually transmitted disease.

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Dr. Nyberg also explained that these infections often are treated with antibiotics, bed rest, stool softener, and increased fluid intake.

Chronic prostatitis may result due to bacteria or an inflammation of the prostate.

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This is treated with medications (often antibiotics), changes in the diet, biofeedback, and nonprescription supplements, according to Dr. Nyberg.

Source-ANISRM/M

Can Prostatitis Dampen Sexual Performance?

Dear Dr G,

I email you with alarming concern about what is happening to my prostate.

I have been suffering from prostatitis since my early thirties and the condition has been a real pain in my life.

It all started with an episode of an urinary tract infection, followed by high fever and difficulties in urination.

I was taken to the doctors, luckily after the antibiotics treatment, urination has been smooth and no further pain or fever.

I thought my ordeal was over, but I started having intermittent pain and the urgency of urination from time to time.

When the condition was more serious, I would experience pelvic discomfort and intermittent difficulties in urination.

I was completely terrified with one recent episode of blood in my ejaculation.

I am also wondering whether the condition has resulted in diminishing libido and erectile dysfunction.

The urologist reckons I now suffer from chronic prostatitis and this can also cause my sexual dysfunction.

What is prostatitis and what causes the inflammation?

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

How can inflammation of the prostate result in sexual dysfunction?

I am really troubled by the chronic inflammation of the prostate and my wilting manhood, and hope you can help.

Yours truly,

Prostatitis Peter

Men commonly suffer from prostatic conditions which can affect different stages of life. The ageing process of the prostate associated with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) gradually affects men in urinary flow and erection. More serious prostatic conditions such as prostate cancer also tend to affect men with advancing age with positive family history. On the other hand, inflammatory changes of the prostate resulting in prostatitis tends to affect men of all ages. It has been estimated 10-15% of men experience prostatitis symptoms at some point in their lives. There is an undeniable connection between the prostate gland and sexual function, and therefore prostatitis is known to have an impact on physical and sexual health.

Prostatitis can be broadly divided into four different categories. Acute Bacterial Prostatitis (ABP) is usually caused by a bacterial infection resulting in severe symptoms of pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and difficulty urinating.

On the other hand, Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (CBP) is a persistent low grade bacterial infection that lasts for several months or even years. The symptoms are similar to ABP but tend to be less severe and long lasting. Another type of prostatitis is Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS). The condition is not caused by bacterial infection, but mostly associated with unidentifiable aetiology. This makes the CP/CPPS challenging to treat.

Lastly, Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis (AIP) can also be discovered incidentally during medical examinations. While treatment of AIP may not be necessary, monitoring the situation through regular check-ups is advisable.

Prostatitis is a common cause affecting sexual function in men, however the aetiology and pathogenesis are largely unknown. Men can be affected with weakened erection, painful ejaculation, premature ejaculation and declining libido. The inflammation is thought to result in swelling and disruption of blood flow, making achieving and maintaining an erection a bit more difficult. On the other hand, painful and bloody ejaculation is also well-recognised to have adverse psychological impact in men causing erectile dysfunction.

In addition, prostatitis can also dampen one's desire for intimacy. The constant discomfort and pain associated can definitely make it difficult for men to get in the mood. Although not every individual with prostatitis experiences a decrease in libido, research has shown that men with prostatitis may have lower levels of testosterone. Although the association of prostatitis with premature ejaculation is well-documented in the medical literature, the exact mechanism and pathogenesis are completely unexplained.

The treatment option of prostatitis is mainly symptomatic, apart from bacterial induced ABP and CBP. Appropriate antibiotics are often prescribed for bacterial prostatitis, while pain relievers and anti-inflammatory are necessary to manage pain and discomfort. Other important medications such as alpha blockers, 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, NSAIDS and PDE5-I are often necessary to manage the symptoms. In addition, lifestyle changes such as regular physical exercise, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and spicy foods may provide some relief. Other treatments such as pelvic floor exercises and relaxation techniques can help relieve muscle tension and pain.

The bacterial and nonbacterial inflammatory changes of the prostate and its association with chronic prostatitis often generate uncertainty for both patient and physician.

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