Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual tension syndrome (PPS, PMS-like syndrome, mensural syndrome) is a common name for a number of psychoneurological syndromes that develop during menstruation and are characterized by neurotic and autonomic disorders of varying severity.

Prevalence and incidence of SPN

SPN suffer from various clinical forms of PMS on average from 18% to 69%, and in some studies up to 82% of women of reproductive age. In childhood and adolescence, PMS develops in 8-41% of girls, varying depending on the type of syndrome. SPN can develop periodically and represent a stereotypical phenomenon of a seasonal nature, coinciding with menstruation [1].

According to a 2013 meta-analysis, the total number of young women with PMS is 392 million. According to another meta-analysis published in 2020, the incidence of PMS increases with age, reaching a peak after 40 years, and decreases significantly after menopause [2].

In severe forms of SPN, 60-70% of women experience pain of varying intensity in the lower abdomen or bilateral aching pain in the lower back, accompanied by tenderness of the mammary glands, headaches, dizziness, asthenia, anxiety-depressive disorders and mood disorders. Some people tend to experience menstrual irregularities.

Although SPN is a common condition, it often goes undiagnosed because there is no generally accepted diagnostic definition and guidelines. Therefore, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor.