I suffer with severe dizziness and stomach cramps. Is this a sign of PMS?

Question

Hi,

I am a female, 36 y/o. I hope you can help me with my health inquiry. I’ve been suffering from severe dizziness and stomach cramps since last night. I feel like spinning especially when I try to look down. I have a cervical spondylosis. Undergone PT a few months back and not taking any medicines. I’m expecting my period few days from now. I used to have PMS such as headache and stomach cramps a week before my period starts. I felt this before and I used serc as prescribed by my doctor.

Answer 1

Hi

Welcome to icliniq

I hope your doing well. I understand that you are having PMS symptoms. Premenstrual disorders affect up to 12% of women. There are no unique physical findings or lab tests to positively diagnose premenstrual syndrome.

Recommendation from guidelines are

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be used as first-line treatment for severe symptoms of PMS.

2. Oral contraceptives are effective for the treatment of PMS.

3. Calcium supplementation of 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day may improve PMS symptoms.

4. Cognitive behavior therapy may improve PMS and PMDD symptoms. Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa), and Escitalopram (Lexapro) can be used. NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or Naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease cramping if taken before the onset of periods. Mindfulness-based exercises and acceptance-based cognitive behavior therapy may be helpful for reducing symptoms.

Migraines, anemia, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism may produce symptoms similar to PMS so they should also be considered. It will required an appropriate evaluation. You are taking serc (Betahistine) It is prescribed for vertigo. For your symptoms of positional spinning. It can be easily diagnosed by doing BPPV maneuver, for the same your physician can help you. Your symptoms can be explained by PMS it self. Hope this is helpful. Regards.