Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that mainly attacks joints. According to the website Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment, the disease can also attack human organs sometimes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; the immune cells attack the healthy tissues of our body. But, medical scientists and researchers have not been able to figure out why such cases happen. Common causes behind rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Viral or bacterial attack
• Environmental causes
• Lifestyle
• Accident involving joints
• Genetic factors

Women fall prey to this disease more than men. For women, pregnancy, breastfeeding and contraceptive pills are said to have a role behind developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: joint pain and swelling, stiffness, inflammation, limited movement, redness around the infected joint and fatigue.

It is always advised to consult a rheumatologist if you experience the above mentioned symptoms. A rheumatologist can suggest you proper medication, diet, exercise and therapies to reduce joint pain and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is not 100% curable, but proper treatment can lessen the pain. There are many groups that offer rheumatoid arthritis help to the victims; the patients need mental support along with medical treatment. So, always be sympathetic and supportive to those who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis; mental support works more than medicines sometimes.

PMS is the term used to describe the series of physical, emotional and psychological changes that occur to up to two weeks before menstruation and increasing in intensity until the onset of menses. There are close to 200 PMS symptoms that include irritability, bloating, sore breasts, etc. These symptoms are reported by up to 85 percent of women although the degree may vary every menstrual cycle.

The causes of PMS are not fully understood, however it is thought that PMS occurs due to the hormonal turbulence that occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle. Genetics also seem to play an important role since PMS seems to be more common among twins.

To qualify as PMS, the symptoms have to be recorded for at least 2 consecutive months. It is suggested that women use symptom record charts to mark all their PMS symptoms before consulting their doctor for advice.

There are several methods that help control and relieve PMS. These include reducing your caffeine intake, exercising regularly, sleeping well and limiting your alcohol intake. Stress has also been linked to PMS. It has been shown to make preexisting PMS conditions worse. Other ways to control and relieve PMS symptoms include PMS remedies, supplements, evening primrose oil and the estrogen progesterone pill.