Premenstrual syndrome. Identification and management.

Premenstrual syndrome is a legitimate illness consisting of the cyclic recurrence of symptoms (physical, mental and behavioural) in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle of sufficient severity to require treatment. The syndrome has a yet unknown aetiology, an uncertain and variable course, and an unidentified family history. Methods are available for diagnosis including obtaining a reliable history, thorough physical and mental examinations, laboratory tests to exclude other possible causes of symptoms, and daily prospective symptom ratings to confirm symptom patterns. Because there is no known aetiology, treatment consists of symptom management of the specific symptoms experienced, based on prospective symptom ratings.