Know more about premenstrual syndrome

By Jang Su-hee

When young women in 20s or 30s walk into the office with a normal gait and no signs of trouble by their appearance, the first thing that comes to my mind is gynecological ailments.

In a study done by Dr. Weisz in 2009, research on prescriptions given to women who visited doctor's office for premenstrual syndrome in five western countries ― the United States, England, Canada, France, and Germany ― during the years 2004 to 2006, out of all women who have visited the office during that period of time, only 0.1 percent had premenstrual syndrome as their chief complaint. An interesting fact according to the study is that doctors (6 percent in the United States, 9 percent in Canada, 16 percent in England, 13 percent in France, and 36 percent in Germany) have prescribed alternative medicine. In particular, according to the study, doctors in Germany prescribed Vitex agnus castus to 80 percent of premenstrual syndrome patients.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) produces psychological, behavioral and physical symptoms that occur 7-10 days before menstruation and disappears at its onset. Researchers say as many as 25 percent of menstruating women report moderate-to-severe premenstrual symptoms and approximately 5 percent report severe ones. In 1994, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association listed the severe symptoms of PMS as PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

According to evaluation methods of PMS such as the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and Premenstrual Tension Scale, psychological symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, depression, nervous tension, mood swings and feeling out of control. Behavioral ones may include lowered school or work performance, avoidance of social activities and interactions with family at home/ at work/ at school, or decreased efficiency. Physical symptoms may include painful or tender breasts, swelling of the abdomen, breasts, ankles, fingers, water retention, weight gain, headaches and low-back pain.

In a U.S. survey, 80 percent of women with the syndrome take vitamins, supplements, or alternative medicine.

According to “The web that has no weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine,” a book compiled by Ted J. Kaptchuk, constrained Liver Qi, common form of stagnant Qi, can lead to menstrual pain, and swelling of the breasts. The sensation of pain is its most common physical characteristic, and the feeling of frustration or being blocked is its most common psychological sign.

In Korean medicine, acupuncture treatments as well as herbal medicines have shown effective relief of the symptoms. According to studies, Korean herbal decoctions such as soyosan or gamisoyosan significantly reduced anxiety, mood swings, irritability and breast tenderness by much as 74.8 percent.

In summer this year, a famous Korean actress was allegedly involved in stealing and was issued a temporary restraining order. PMS was one possible explanation for her acts. If the symptoms last for more than three months you must seek help. Remember, before taking herbal medicine, always consult Korean medical doctors.

The writer practices traditional Korean medicine at Nasaret Oriental Medical Hospital in Incheon. She can be reached at jangsuhe@gmail.com.