PMS Specialist

Dr. Jose F. De Leon, M.D., P.A.

OBGYNs located in Dallas, TX & Irving, TX

Mood swings, breast tenderness, and food cravings can all be a sign of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – an experience that three out of four women have had at some point in their lives. If PMS is disruptive to your life each month, the OB/GYN practice of Dr. Jose F. De Leon, M.D., P.A., specializes in minimizing PMS symptoms for patients living in or around Irving and Dallas, Texas. Dr. De Leon at the Dallas office and Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Luu at the Irving office offer patient-centered care and individualized treatment plans to help you feel your best. Call either office or schedule your appointment online.

PMS Q & A

What is PMS?

PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that typically occur after you ovulate before you begin your period. It’s thought to be the result of a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after ovulation. Once you start your period, your hormones even out and symptoms subside.

Some women have very mild PMS symptoms, while others find it difficult to get through the day because symptoms are so severe. Fortunately, you can make lifestyle adjustments and take advantage of effective treatments to prevent PMS from controlling your life every month.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Common symptoms of PMS are both emotional and physical, and may include any of the following:

Emotional and mental:

Mood swings
Irritability
Tension
Anxiety and stress
Crying easily
Sleep issues
Low libido

Physical:

Food cravings
Headaches
Fatigue
Weight gain
Bloating and breast tenderness
Constipation or diarrhea
Cramps

Your symptoms may vary in severity each month, or they may come and go. Regular physical exercise and healthy eating can minimize symptoms. Finding productive ways to manage stress and getting enough sleep may also help.

How is PMS diagnosed?

There’s no medical test for PMS, but if you keep track of your symptoms each month, including how intrusive they are in your daily life, Dr. De Leon or Dr. Nguyen-Luu can work with you to help get your physical and emotional symptoms under control. Signs that indicate PMS is a problem in your life every month may include difficulty going to work or participating in your normal activities.

You don’t have to live with the emotional and physical distress of premenstrual syndrome if you seek the help of an OB/GYN.

Which kinds of treatments alleviate PMS symptoms?

If changes to your lifestyle and diet don’t relieve severe PMS symptoms, certain medications may help. Depending on which symptoms you experience and their severity, Dr. De Leon or Dr. Nguyen-Luu may prescribe antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or diuretics to help with both emotional and physical symptoms.

Additionally, oral contraceptives that contain estrogen or progesterone may help to regulate your hormones during the time before your period, so you experience a less severe change in levels. Birth control pills stop ovulation altogether, so that alone may offer relief from a miserable PMS experience.

Call either the Irving or Dallas office for an appointment or schedule your visit online.

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