Here are the nuggets of knowledge of which most people are aware -- PMS creates numerous problems for women experiencing the emotional and physical fallout associated with the condition. It is estimated to have some effect on 75 percent of women. Of those, at least 50 percent of the females afflicted with PMS will deem it an interruption of daily life.
But the most startling statistic is that 5 percent will have symptoms so severe, they become incapable of functioning normally. Adding insult to injury, recent findings suggest that the headaches, abdominal cramping, fatigue and other issues associated with PMS may be a precursor to an even more serious health issue: high blood pressure.
Premenstrual syndrome can start at any age when a woman begins menstruating, and ends at menopause, producing an estimated 150 symptoms that include weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness and swelling, mood swings, anxiety, depression, changes in appetite, skin problems, food cravings, changes in sex interest, cramps, headaches, backaches, inability to concentrate, confusion, loss of interest in normal activities, irritability and fatigue.
Although much research has been done, the cause of premenstrual syndrome is still unclear. Researchers believe that it may be tied to hormonal issues (including not enough progesterone or too much estrogen), low levels of certain nutrients, a lack of vitamin B5, an abnormal metabolism and inability to produce a hormone substance called prostaglandins, and lower levels of the brain chemical serotonin. However, the exact cause is still speculative.