Premenstrual Syndrome - Complications

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Asthma. It has long been known that asthma often worsens during the premenstrual period, with one study estimating that 40% of women with asthma are affected at that time. Some research suggests that during the premenstrual period there is increased activity of a combination of asthma-inducing effects, including lower resistance to stress and infections and increased hyperreactivity in the airways of the lungs.

Other Disorders. Many other chronic disorders may be exacerbated during the premenstrual phase, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Women are also more prone to seasickness in the premenstrual phase.

Review Date: 07/11/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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