How to Diagnose PMS

If you are looking for relief from PMS you may want to schedule a visit to the gynecologist's office. Simple blood tests can determine whether your symptoms are related to hormonal causes or other medical issues. It is imperative to begin tracking your physical and emotional symptoms to diagnose PMS accurately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Create a Tracking System to Diagnose PMS

1. Create a symptoms calendar at 4Woman.gov (see Resources below). This will help you recognize and track the most common PMS ailments, such as weight gain, cramping, muscle soreness and fatigue.
2. Stay diligent about marking the calendar every day. There may be days when you don't experience any symptoms. Indicate symptom-free days as well.
3. Fill the chart in daily, for at least 2 months, to help your gynecologist diagnose and understand your pattern of symptoms.
4. Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist and take your calendar with you.

Keep a Food Journal to Diagnose PMS

5. Buy a journal-style notebook.
6. Number each day of your menstrual cycle. Day one should be the first day that you are not menstruating, following a normal period.
7. Begin recording the details of your daily food intake. Avoid counting calories or focusing too much on what you are eating during this assignment. Make sure to indicate the quantity of each item.
8. Examine the results and pay attention to patterns of cravings on certain days.
9. Identify whether or not these cravings are the result of vitamin deficiencies.

Evaluate Your Mental Condition to Diagnose PMS

10. Think back to your last 2 or 3 menstrual cycles and consider how PMS affected your performance. Women regularly report the inability to concentrate during the PMS phase.
11. Take a moment to consider your relationships. Ascertain whether your fluctuating hormones are making you behave irritably with your friends and family.
12. Look objectively at your reaction to stressors during the month. Note whether PMS is inhibiting your normal coping skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek medical advice if you find your symptoms prevent normal functioning at home, work or school.
• If you are feeling fatigued, know that p.m.S may not be the only culprit. Many prescription drugs contribute to fatigue. Also, severe fatigue may be a symptom of an underlying condition.
• Avoid assuming that depression and anxiety are always linked to PMS. If you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety, contact a mental-health professional immediately. Your doctor may be able to provide help as well.

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