Premenstrual Disorders

•

as systemic lupus erythematosus, fibro-

myalgia, and arthritis),

hypoglycemia

colitis

, and asthma.

For women who are affected each

month by fluctuating hormone levels,

understanding PMS by identifying the

symptoms and how they relate to the

menstrual cycle may be the first step

in gaining relief. Experiencing the on-

slaught of both physical and emotional

upheaval for up to two weeks can have

an alarming effect on a woman’s life

and the lives of those around her. Until recently, these symptoms

have been overlooked by the medical world. Today, however, medi-

cations can help sufferers live normally all month long.

As Emily writes in her diary, her world changes once a month.

She can’t understand herself or those around her. She is more vola-

tile, argues with her friends and family. Schoolwork is more difficult,

and she sometimes feels physically ill and cannot face the rigors of

Premenstrual Magnification

Some researchers believe that PMS can cause other emotional

or physical problems to become more severe during the last part

of the luteal phase. For example, those suffering from eating dis-

orders such as bulimia, a disorder in which the sufferer binges

on food and then purges it (or vomits), may have an increase in

bingeing during this time. Alcoholics or other substance abus-

ers may use drugs or alcohol more, while those who suffer from

anxiety disorders may have a greater number of attacks during

this time. Even asthma and herpes sufferers often experience a

sudden intensification of their symptoms.

hypoglycemia

: An ab-

normal decrease in the

level of sugar in the

body.

colitis

: Inflammation

of the colon.