EFFECT OF GUİDED IMAGERY ON PREMENSİVE SYNDROME İN UNİVERSİTY STUDENTS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that typically occur at the end of the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle, 7-10 days before menstruation, and resolve at the onset of menstruation or shortly afterward. When diagnosing PMS, women are advised to keep a symptom diary for at least two menstrual cycles. The diary should document symptoms during the luteal phase and the symptom-free period until ovulation. Underlying physical or psychological conditions that could exacerbate symptoms should also be considered.

PMS can be diagnosed when symptoms occur for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles, beginning within five days before menstruation, ending within four days after menstruation starts, and interfering with normal daily activities. Evaluations should also consider medical, psychological, sociocultural, and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of PMS include irritability, feelings of loss of control, anxiety, depression, insomnia or hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating, crying for no reason, fatigue, increased appetite, edema, weight gain, dizziness, headaches, joint and muscle pain, breast tenderness, changes in sexual activity, and avoidance of social interactions, among over 200 psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms. Up to 90% of women of reproductive age report experiencing one or more of these symptoms in the days before menstruation, which can affect behavior, well-being, and social or work environments.

Although the exact cause of PMS is not fully understood, it is believed that endocrine factors-such as carbohydrate intolerance, fluid retention, progesterone deficiency, estrogen imbalance, endorphin deficiency, adrenal or thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, and hypoglycemia-along with psychological factors like genetics and stress, contribute to its development.

Traditionally considered a concern for women of reproductive age, PMS is increasingly recognized as a common mental health issue, significantly impairing daily functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic has also been associated with an increase in some PMS symptoms. The wide range of PMS symptoms makes it challenging to determine its true prevalence, which varies widely across studies. Women often use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage physical and psychological symptoms during the premenstrual period. PMS can negatively affect self-confidence, social relationships, quality of life, and academic performance, making effective treatment increasingly important.