Pre-menstrual syndrome, most commonly known as PMS, is a physiological defect affecting over 80% of the menstruating female population. The pre-menstrual syndrome is not the pain, such as cramps, that women experience during menstruation. Pre-menstrual syndrome is a "complex condition, involving physical and psychological symptoms that appear before menstruation begins" The symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome are experienced 2 to 14 days before the period (menstruation) begins.

It is said that between 70 and 90% of women are affected by the pre-menstrual syndrome during their reproductive years.

Though the exact causes of PMS seem to be unknown in the medical field, many theories have been introduced as to the exact cause of pre-menstrual syndrome. Dr. Katarina Dalton, an expert in the field suggests that, " a deficiency of pr

Physical symptoms include sleep disturbances, breast swelling, bloating, weight gain, acne, cravings for sweet and salty foods and constipation. Psychological or emotional symptoms include irritability, depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem and self-confidence. Symptoms of PMS can often put a strain on relationships and jeopardise a woman's job or family life. For some women, PMS is so severe that is causes suicidal and homicidal feelings which may be acted upon. This type of behaviour, which only affects three to five percent of women, is called pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder.

ogesterone in relation to the amount of estrogen present before menstruation triggers the syndrome" Another theory suggests that PMS symptoms are caused "by the body's inability to properly metabolize fatty acids resulting in the alteration of the normal cellular function"

Though pre-menstrual syndrome affects a large proportion of the female population and the symptoms can affect women in their day-to-day lives,

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