Drug Therapy and Premenstrual Disorders

Premenstrual syndrome plays a very real role in the lives of adolescent girls and women who suffer from its symptoms. Although this disorder has been misunderstood, undertreated, and disregarded as merely "all in her head," research confirms that PMS is a problem that can cause women to suffer poor relationships, lower academic grades, and physical and mental disturbances. Furthermore, doctors now understand that premenstrual disorders are legitimate medical conditions with real and serious implications for women's mental well-being.

In this book you can learn about premenstrual disorders, how they have been unfairly stigmatized, and how they are finally being understood. With new medical understanding has come new treatments. Learn about antidepressants and other medications currently being used to treat serious symptoms of premenstrual disorders. In addition, you can learn about the benefits, risks, and side effects associated with these drugs as well as alternative treatments for premenstrual disorders.

While you read, you will share in the experiences of many women from high school to perimenopausal age who have struggled with premenstrual disorders and their effects. In their stories, you will see that due to new understanding and treatments, women experiencing premenstrual disorders no longer need to feel stigmatized or alone.

Cathi I. White - Children's Literature

Have you ever seen a woman who was in a bad mood and acting really grouchy even though that was not her normal behavior? And then you might hear someone near her say, "Oh, it must be that time of the month!" Even though they may be joking, the truth is that some women have a hard time before and during their menstrual cycle. Doctors have learned that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a real problem for women, not just something that is in their head. PMS may include changes in moods, depression, being tired, craving and eating sugary foods and high fat foods, headaches, and crying a lot. PMS effects both adolescents and adults. If PMS symptoms are not treated they can get worse. Medication such as Zoloft and Prozac can help relieve symptoms. Eating the right foods, exercise, vitamins, minerals, and psychological therapy have also proven to help with PMS. Each person's treatment needs to be individualized to work the best for him or her. This book is an excellent book for young girls to learn more about their menstrual cycles and could be used at home or in an educational setting. This book is part of the series "Psychiatric Disorders: Drugs and Psychology for the Mind and Body." 2004, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 12 up.