Just as for all other conditions, your physician will take a detailed history. He/ she will especially focus on:

• Your present symptoms, their severity and factors that worsen them;
• Any health problems in the past, with special emphasis on any unusual physical or mental trauma just prior to the onset of menopause;
• Past frequency of menstrual cycles, its duration, associated symptoms, etc.;
• Number of pregnancies, their outcome and problems, if any, during pregnancy or delivery;
• Specific health problems in your family;
• Your likes, dislikes, habits, etc.; and
• Your mental make-up.

Your physician may also recommend various tests such as blood tests, urine tests, pap smear, etc., to eliminate the possibility of serious health problems.

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The exact cause of Premenstrual Syndrome is not clear. However, the following conditions are believed to cause Premenstrual Syndrome:

• Lack of progesterone.
• Fluid retention. Many women have a heavy or bloated feeling just before their menstruation. This is because the body excretes fewer fluids per day before menstruation. Fluid retention in the brain is believed to cause mood changes, fluid retention in the breast can cause pain in the breast, and fluid retention in the alimentary canal can cause disturbances in the digestive system.
• Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 has many functions in the body. One of them is formation of hormones important for brain function. Thus, when vitamin B6 is inadequate, some hormones for the brain are also inadequate.
• Lower levels of glucose. Many women have less glucose in their blood just before menstruation starts. Glucose levels return to normal after the menstruation.
• Hormone allergy. Progesterone levels are high towards the end of a menstrual cycle. Many women are believed to be allergic to progesterone.
• Higher levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the development and growth of breasts. It is also believed to affect the kidneys’ capability to excrete water.

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