Premenstrual Syndrome
Vitex
Luteal Phase
Menstrual Cycle
Euphausiacea
Pessaries
Follicular Phase
Progesterone
Affect
Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. (1/200)
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. DESIGN: Systematic review of published and unpublished randomised placebo controlled trials of the effectiveness of vitamin B-6 in the management of premenstrual syndrome. SUBJECTS: Nine published trials representing 940 patients with premenstrual syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of women whose overall premenstrual symptoms showed an improvement over placebo. A secondary analysis was performed on the proportion of women whose premenstrual depressive symptoms showed an improvement over placebo. RESULTS: Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in overall premenstrual symptoms was 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.95 to 2.54). Odds ratio relative to placebo for an improvement in depressive symptoms was 1.69 (1.39 to 2.06) from four trials representing 541 patients. CONCLUSION: Conclusions are limited by the low quality of most of the trials included. Results suggest that doses of vitamin B-6 up to 100 mg/day are likely to be of benefit in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression. (+info)Depression in women: diagnostic and treatment considerations. (2/200)
Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and comorbid eating disorders. Women may achieve higher plasma concentrations of antidepressants and thus may require lower dosages of these medications. Depending on the patient's age, the potential effects of antidepressants on a fetus or neonate may need to be considered. Research indicates no increased teratogenic risk from in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs are effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder and many comorbid conditions associated with depression in women. Psychotherapy may be used alone in women with mild to moderate depression, or it may be used adjunctively with antidepressant drug therapy. Women who have severe depression accompanied by active suicidal thoughts or plans should usually be managed in conjunction with a psychiatrist. (+info)The oral contraceptive pill: a revolution for sportswomen? (3/200)
OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) on skeletal health, soft tissue injury, and performance in female athletes. METHODS: A literature review was performed using literature retrieval methods to locate relevant studies. RESULTS: Most female athletes primarily choose to use the OCP for contraceptive purposes, but cycle manipulation and control of premenstrual symptoms are secondary advantages of its use. The effect of the OCP on bone density in normally menstruating women is unclear, with some studies reporting no effect, others a positive effect, and some even a negative effect. The OCP is often prescribed for the treatment of menstrual disturbances in female athletes, and improvements in bone density may result. Whether the OCP influences the risk of stress fracture and soft tissue injuries is not clear from research to date. Effects of the OCP on performance are particularly relevant for elite sportswomen. Although a reduction in Vo2MAX has been reported in some studies, this may not necessarily translate to impaired performance in the field. Moreover, some studies claim that the OCP may well enhance performance by reducing premenstrual symptoms and menstrual blood loss. A fear of weight gain with the use of the OCP is not well founded, as population studies report no effect on weight, particularly with the lower dose pills currently available. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the advantages of the pill for sportswomen would appear to outweigh any potential disadvantages. Nevertheless, there is individual variation in response to the OCP and these should be taken into account and monitored in the clinical situation. Women should be counselled as to the range of potential benefits and disadvantages in order to make an informed decision based on individual circumstances. (+info)Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues: a novel treatment for premenstrual asthma. (4/200)
Premenstrual exacerbation of asthma, as reflected by a reduction in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), has been demonstrated in 40-100% of female asthmatics. Epidemiological data demonstrate that admission to hospital with an exacerbation of asthma occurs more frequently perimenstrually. Therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying this precipitating factor, however, remain limited. We report on a 32-yr old female with asthma in whom a marked increase in symptoms and reduction in PEFR occurred premenstrually, necessitating recurrent admissions to hospital. Frequent severe exacerbations resulted in the chronic use of oral maintenance corticosteroids. In order to suppress gonadotrophin secretion and ovarian function, a long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue was administered with a view to inducing a reversible menopause. This resulted in improvement in respiratory symptoms, the absence of PEFR dips premenstrually, a reduction in maintenance prednisolone dosage and no further hospital admissions during a follow-up period of 14 months. The authors propose that gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-analogue therapy is a rational and innovative adjuvant treatment worthy of further study in cases of severe premenstrual asthma. (+info)Effects of an educational programme on adolescents with premenstrual syndrome. (5/200)
An education program was developed and evaluated to determine its efficacy in increasing knowledge and decreasing the severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Participants from a sample of 94 schoolgirls aged between 14 and 18 years from four secondary schools in Hong Kong were assigned to either the experimental or control group. Immediately following the education program, the schoolgirls in the experimental group had significantly increased knowledge scores as measured by the Premenstrual Syndrome Knowledge Questionnaire. Three months following the education program, schoolgirls in the experimental group reported having a significant reduction in total PMS scores and three of the subscale scores as measured by a translated version of Abraham's Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. In addition, no significant differences were found for the control group on pre-test and post-test PMS scores suggesting that the education program could have been the source of the reduction in PMS symptoms of the experimental group of young adolescents girls. (+info)Allopregnanolone concentrations and premenstrual syndrome. (6/200)
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate basal allopregnanolone and progesterone in both phases of the menstrual cycle in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and their response to a GnRH test. DESIGN: We selected 56 women (28 patients with PMS and 28 controls) aged between 18 and 32 years. Blood samples were drawn in both follicular and phases. Twenty-eight women (14 patients with PMS and 14 controls) underwent a GnRH test in the luteal phase. METHODS: We evaluated allopregnanolone by RIA, using a specific antibody. Serum progesterone and oestradiol were determined using a commercially available RIA kit. RESULTS: Luteal phase allopregnanolone concentrations were significantly lower in patients with PMS than in controls. Progesterone concentrations were significantly lower in patients with PMS in both the follicular and the luteal phase. Serum oestradiol concentrations were in the normal range in both groups of women, although slightly greater in those with PMS. Allopregnanolone and progesterone responses to a GnRH test were significantly blunted in women with PMS. CONCLUSIONS: Diminished concentrations of allopregnanolone and progesterone, its precursor, and a blunted response to the GnRH test lead us to hypothesise that patients with PMS may suffer from an inadequate production of ovarian neuroactive steroids, especially in the luteal phase. This would lead to an impaired anxiolytic GABA(A)-mediated response in stressful physiological and psychological conditions, and may in part explain various psychoneuroendocrine symptoms that arise during PMS. (+info)A clinician's guide to the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues in women. (7/200)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its analogues have been extensively used in clinical medicine since they were identified and synthesized in 1971. Native GnRH stimulates gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary and has been used for induction of ovulation. The GnRH agonists, which have greater potency and a longer half-life than native GnRH, produce an initial stimulation of pituitary gonadotrophs that results in secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and the expected gonadal response. This response is followed by downregulation and inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The GnRH antagonists promptly suppress pituitary gonadotropin by GnRH-receptor competition, thereby avoiding the initial stimulatory phase of the agonists. Discontinuation of GnRH antagonist treatment leads to a rapid and predictable recovery of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The GnRH analogues are potent therapeutic agents that are considerably useful in a variety of clinical indications. These indications include management of endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, hirsutism, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, assisted reproduction, and some hormone-dependent tumors. (+info)Evaluating and managing premenstrual syndrome. (8/200)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common disorder in women, refers to physical and/or mood symptoms that appear predictably during the latter half of the menstrual cycle, last until menses begin, and are absent during the early part of the menstrual cycle. A diagnosis of PMS requires that the symptoms be severe enough to affect a woman's ability to function at home or in the workplace or in her relationships with others. Diagnostic assessment entails a thorough medical and psychiatric history and prospective daily ratings. Disorders such as major depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, and diabetes must be excluded before a diagnosis of PMS can be considered. Treatment strategies include either eliminating the hormonal cycle associated with ovulation or treating the symptom(s) causing the most distress to the patient. Medical therapies are available for both treatment approaches but should be initiated only after behavioral measures have failed; the physician must also carefully weigh the severity of symptoms against the potential for adverse effects of treatment. (+info)Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a complex of symptoms that occur in the latter part of the luteal phase (the second half) of the menstrual cycle, typically starting 5-11 days before the onset of menses, and remitting shortly after the onset of menstruation. The symptoms can be physical, psychological, or behavioral and vary from mild to severe. They include but are not limited to: bloating, breast tenderness, cramps, headaches, mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
The exact cause of PMS is not known, but it appears to be related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. Some women may be more susceptible to these hormonal shifts due to genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances, or other health conditions.
Treatment for PMS often involves a combination of lifestyle changes (such as regular exercise, stress management, and dietary modifications), over-the-counter pain relievers, and, in some cases, hormonal medications or antidepressants. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Vitex, also known as chasteberry or Vitex agnus-castus, is not a medical term but a common herbal supplement. It is derived from the fruit of the Vitex agnus-castus tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia.
The medical community has studied Vitex for its potential effects on various conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, and irregular menstrual cycles. However, it's essential to note that the evidence supporting its use is mixed, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
Vitex is thought to have dopamine-like effects on the hypothalamus, which may help regulate hormonal imbalances in some women. However, it can interact with other medications and has potential side effects, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking Vitex or any herbal supplement.
Dysmenorrhea is a medical term that refers to painful menstrual cramps and discomfort during menstruation. It's one of the most common gynecological complaints among women of reproductive age. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea: This type is more common and occurs in women who have had normal, pelvic anatomy. The pain is caused by strong contractions of the uterus due to the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that are involved in inflammation and pain). Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts soon after menarche (the beginning of menstruation) and tends to improve with age, particularly after childbirth.
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea: This type is less common and occurs due to an underlying medical condition affecting the reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or adenomyosis. The pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea tends to worsen over time and may be accompanied by other symptoms like irregular menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse, or chronic pelvic pain.
Treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the type and underlying cause. For primary dysmenorrhea, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain by reducing prostaglandin production. Hormonal birth control methods like oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may also be prescribed to reduce menstrual pain. For secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment typically involves addressing the underlying medical condition causing the pain.
The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, starting from ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries) and lasting until the start of the next menstruation. This phase typically lasts around 12-14 days in a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. During this phase, the remains of the dominant follicle that released the egg transform into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and some estrogen to support the implantation of a fertilized egg and maintain the early stages of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in hormone levels and the start of a new menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes that occur in the female reproductive system over an approximate 28-day interval, marking the body's preparation for potential pregnancy. It involves the interplay of hormones that regulate the growth and disintegration of the uterine lining (endometrium) and the release of an egg (ovulation) from the ovaries.
The menstrual cycle can be divided into three main phases:
1. Menstrual phase: The cycle begins with the onset of menstruation, where the thickened uterine lining is shed through the vagina, lasting typically for 3-7 days. This shedding occurs due to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, which are hormones essential for maintaining the endometrium during the previous cycle.
2. Follicular phase: After menstruation, the follicular phase commences with the pituitary gland releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the growth of several ovarian follicles, each containing an immature egg. One dominant follicle usually becomes selected to mature and release an egg during ovulation. Estrogen levels rise as the dominant follicle grows, causing the endometrium to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
3. Luteal phase: Following ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and estrogen to further support the endometrial thickening. If fertilization does not occur within approximately 24 hours after ovulation, the corpus luteum will degenerate, leading to a decline in hormone levels. This drop triggers the onset of menstruation, initiating a new menstrual cycle.
Understanding the menstrual cycle is crucial for monitoring reproductive health and planning or preventing pregnancies. Variations in cycle length and symptoms are common among women, but persistent irregularities may indicate underlying medical conditions requiring further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Euphausiacea is a taxonomic category, specifically an order, that includes various types of planktonic crustaceans commonly known as krill. These small, shrimp-like animals are found in oceans all over the world and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as a key food source for many larger animals, including whales, seals, and fish.
Euphausiids, as they are sometimes called, have a transparent exoskeleton and a distinctive bioluminescent ability that they use for communication, attracting prey, and evading predators. They are filter feeders, consuming large quantities of phytoplankton and other small organisms.
Euphausiacea is part of the larger decapod group, which also includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. The study of these animals and their role in marine ecosystems is important for understanding ocean health and biodiversity.
A pessary is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina to provide support for the uterus, vaginal vault, or bladder. It is often used in the management of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other gynecological conditions. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, and they are typically made of silicone, rubber, or plastic. They can be worn for extended periods of time and are usually removable and cleanable. The selection and fitting of a pessary should be performed by a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist or nurse midwife.
The follicular phase is a term used in reproductive endocrinology, which refers to the first part of the menstrual cycle. This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, several follicles in the ovaries begin to mature under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) released by the pituitary gland.
Typically, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to mature, while the others regress. The dominant follicle produces increasing amounts of estrogen, which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for a possible pregnancy. The follicular phase can vary in length, but on average it lasts about 14 days.
It's important to note that the length and characteristics of the follicular phase can provide valuable information in diagnosing various reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction.
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. It plays an essential role in preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone works to thicken the lining of the uterus, creating a nurturing environment for the developing embryo.
During the menstrual cycle, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum, a temporary structure formed in the ovary after an egg has been released from a follicle during ovulation. If pregnancy does not occur, the levels of progesterone will decrease, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and menstruation.
In addition to its reproductive functions, progesterone also has various other effects on the body, such as helping to regulate the immune system, supporting bone health, and potentially influencing mood and cognition. Progesterone can be administered medically in the form of oral pills, intramuscular injections, or vaginal suppositories for various purposes, including hormone replacement therapy, contraception, and managing certain gynecological conditions.
In medical and psychological terms, "affect" refers to a person's emotional or expressive state, mood, or dispositions that are outwardly manifested in their behavior, facial expressions, demeanor, or speech. Affect can be described as being congruent or incongruent with an individual's thoughts and experiences.
There are different types of affect, including:
1. Neutral affect: When a person shows no apparent emotion or displays minimal emotional expressiveness.
2. Positive affect: When a person exhibits positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, or enthusiasm.
3. Negative affect: When a person experiences and displays negative emotions like sadness, anger, or fear.
4. Blunted affect: When a person's emotional response is noticeably reduced or diminished, often observed in individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia.
5. Flat affect: When a person has an almost complete absence of emotional expressiveness, which can be indicative of severe depression or other mental health disorders.
6. Labile affect: When a person's emotional state fluctuates rapidly and frequently between positive and negative emotions, often observed in individuals with certain neurological conditions or mood disorders.
Clinicians may assess a patient's affect during an interview or examination to help diagnose mental health conditions, evaluate treatment progress, or monitor overall well-being.
A syndrome, in medical terms, is a set of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, disorder, or underlying pathological process. It's essentially a collection of signs and/or symptoms that frequently occur together and can suggest a particular cause or condition, even though the exact physiological mechanisms might not be fully understood.
For example, Down syndrome is characterized by specific physical features, cognitive delays, and other developmental issues resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Similarly, metabolic syndromes like diabetes mellitus type 2 involve a group of risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that collectively increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
It's important to note that a syndrome is not a specific diagnosis; rather, it's a pattern of symptoms that can help guide further diagnostic evaluation and management.
Serotonin uptake inhibitors (also known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs) are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, among other functions.
SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, allowing more serotonin to be available in the synapse (the space between two neurons) for binding to postsynaptic receptors. This results in increased serotonergic neurotransmission and improved mood regulation.
Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications are generally well-tolerated, with side effects that may include nausea, headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and increased anxiety or agitation. However, they can have serious interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting an SSRI.