premenstrual syndrome

Disruptive emotional and physical symptoms, including irritability and headaches, that appear to precede menstruation and may last 2 weeks or more. The symptoms tend to disappear with the onset of menstruation. PMS can affect adversely the athletic performance of some female athletes. It is generally recognized that the cause of PMS is an altered balance of sex hormones, progesterone becoming relatively dominant in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. PMS can be treated by hormonal adjustment or by diuretic drugs. Female athletes who are prescribed mild diuretics to alleviate PMS should ensure they are in no danger of failing a drug test. See also menstrual adjustment.