Ask Dr. Paul — Warning: Girl PMSing
Answers from Paul Rothwell, M.D.
 My mom says PMS is not real. It's just
an excuse for girls to be emotional. Is PMS
real?
While any girl can use PMS as an excuse for
being irritable or "emotional," for many women
this is a real problem. About mid-cycle they have
a definite hormone swing, which can build until
the onset of the actual menstruation or period.
About seven to 14 days prior to the period,
symptoms such as bloating, food cravings,
irritability, anxiety or, in some cases,
depression can be present. When these symptoms
are added to the possibility of premenstrual
cramping and pain, PMS can be especially
bothersome.
Various herbal and prescription medications have
been tested for this condition with varying
success. If your symptoms are making it difficult
for you to function, you should schedule an
appointment with your doctor or gynecologist (a
physician who specializes in the care of women).
I have a problem with
both constipation and diarrhea. I never know what
to expect! I also have a lot of gas. What's going
on?
It's impossible to make an accurate diagnosis
without more information and a proper
examination. However, it sounds like you may have
a condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(IBS). IBS is sometimes difficult to diagnose
because no simple test is available. It's usually
suspected based upon medical history and
elimination of other causes of constipation or
diarrhea.
No one knows for certain what causes IBS, but it
may be related to anxiety or stress. It may also
be related to intolerance to certain foods.
Bottom line, many illnesses may cause either
constipation or diarrhea, so see your doctor.
Once more serious possibilities can be ruled out,
you can safely concentrate on dietary measures
and deal with emotional issues, if necessary. In
some cases, this problem may be controlled by
prescription medication.
I am only 14, and my
hair is falling out! I have noticed a little bald
spot. What could be wrong?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can result
from many causes. Some hair loss is normal and
expected. However, a common cause of alopecia
results from stress, but it may also be due to
medical reasons such as excessive dryness of the
scalp or other skin-related conditions, hormone
imbalances (particularly thyroid), nutritional
deficits and infection. Thus, it would be wise
for you to schedule an appointment with your
doctor.
This article appeared in Brio
magazine in May 2006. Copyright © 2006 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
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