Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

“You may experience physical and emotional symptoms
about one week before your period.
This is called ‘premenstrual syndrome’ or ‘PMS’”.1

Umbrella

What may the Premenstrual Syndrome Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  • Premenstrual Mood Changes
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Premenstrual Tension (PMT)

Premenstrual Syndrome

What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

DotS the definition of PMS may vary. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist’s (ACOG) definition is:

“Many women feel physical or mood changes during the days before menstruation. When these symptoms happen month after month, and they affect a woman’s normal life, they are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)”.2

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“You may experience physical and emotional symptoms about one week before your period. This is called ‘premenstrual syndrome’ or ‘PMS’”.3

The (United States) Medline Plus’s definition is:

“Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. The symptoms may range from mild to severe”.4

PMS Symptoms

What are some PMS symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the (United States) Mayo Clinic reassure:

“The list of potential signs and symptoms for premenstrual syndrome is long, but most women only experience a few of these problems”.5

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH also note:

“Everyone is different. Some people have no symptoms and others experience emotional and physical symptoms every month. Symptoms can also vary from one cycle to the next”.6

PMS Emotional Symptoms

What are PMS emotional symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Emotional Symptoms the JH elaborate on:

“Common emotional symptoms include:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Lower ability to cope
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes
  • Sadness”.7

In FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? ACOG elaborate on:

“Emotional symptoms include:

  • Depression
  • Angry outbursts
  • Irritability
  • Crying spells
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Social withdrawal
  • Poor concentration
  • Insomnia
  • Increased nap taking
  • Changes in sexual desire”.8

PMS Physical Symptoms

What are PMS physical symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Physical Symptoms the JH elaborate on:

“Common physical symptoms include:

  • Cramping in the pelvic area
  • Bloating around the belly (abdomen)
  • Breast swelling and tenderness
  • Fluid retention (swollen fingers or ankles)
  • Skin problems such as acne

You may also experience:

  • Headaches
  • Tiredness, lethargy, insomnia
  • Constipation, diarrhea or both
  • Food cravings
  • Aches and pains”.9

In FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? ACOG elaborate on:

“Physical symptoms include:

  • Thirst and appetite changes (food cravings)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating and weight gain
  • Headache
  • Swelling of the hands or feet
  • Aches and pains
  • Fatigue
  • Skin problems
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Abdominal pain”.10

PMS Cause

What causes PMS?

The JH explain:

“It’s not clear why some people have PMS. It may be associated with the hormone progesterone interacting with certain chemicals in the brain. Other factors can influence symptoms, including stress levels, physical and emotional health and lifestyle”.11

Different Differences

Is PMS different to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? the JH note:

“PMS is different to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a condition that causes severe emotional and psychological distress”.12

In Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) the JH also note:

“PMDD is a serious condition that causes severe emotional and psychological distress in the lead-up to your period. PMDD is more than bad premenstrual syndrome (PMS)”.13

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

DotS the definition of PMDD may vary. In Learn: PMDD the International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) definition is:

“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5.5% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age. While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause”.14

Premenstrual Exacerbation

What is premenstrual exacerbation (PME)?

DotS the definition of PME may vary. In Learn: PME the IAPMD’s definition is:

“Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) are difficult to distinguish from each other”.15

PMDD Cause

What causes PMDD?

In Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention the (United States) Endocrine Society note:

“Doctors are still searching for the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome or PMDD. Hormone levels are the same in women with or without PMS/PMDD. But it is thought that women with PMS/PMDD have a greater response to the fall in hormones that occurs in the days before a period. There may also be changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. Some women have a genetic risk factor for PMDD. Undiagnosed depression or anxiety can also lead to problems”.16

Predictable PatternPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Do PMS symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern?

Yes. The Mayo Clinic explain:

“Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern. But the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome may vary from just slightly noticeable all the way to intense”.17

Look for A PatternPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

How may I Look for A Pattern with PMS?

In Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms the IAPMD explain:

“PMDD cannot be diagnosed via blood, hormone, or saliva test. These tests can, however, rule out any underlying disorders including hormone imbalance or thyroid issues. The only way to currently test for PMDD is by tracking symptoms for a span of two more menstrual cycles”.18

In Menstrual Diary the (United Kingdom) National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome explain:

“A completed menstrual chart is the first step towards understanding your own menstrual health”.19

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What To Expect the (Scottish) NHS Inform also note:

“It can be helpful to keep a note of your period dates and symptoms using a calendar, a diary or an app. You can then discuss this with your doctor who can decide if any tests or treatments might be needed”.20

Menstrual Diary

Meno Martha, PMS and PerimenopauseWhere may I find a menstrual diary to keep a record of any symptoms I have?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Menstrual Diary

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and PMS?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? the JH note:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)“PMS symptoms can be worse in teenage years and in the lead-up to menopause (perimenopause), which may be due to changing hormone levels”.21

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“Yes. PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause.

This is especially true for women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. In the years leading up to menopause, your hormone levels also go up and down in an unpredictable way as your body slowly transitions to menopause. You may get the same mood changes, or they may get worse.

PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get a period”.22

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME?

If you would like help with PMS, PMDD or PME, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH note:

“It’s not normal to have premenstrual symptoms that stop you from doing everyday activities. If you experience severe symptoms, see your doctor. They will investigate possible causes and recommend treatments that will help relieve symptoms”.23

In Premenstrual Syndrome: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“See your provider if you’re unable to get relief from your PMS symptoms. To get the most out of your visit, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your period in detail. Track your period and symptom history on a calendar, planner or app. Be prepared to share information about your period start and stop dates and your symptoms (including how mild or severe) for at least two consecutive periods”.24

In PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Treatments for PMS the (United Kingdom) NHS also note:

“If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.

These may include:

  • Hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Antidepressants

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor”.25

Who is a GP?

DotS and DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Premenstrual Syndrome?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Premenstrual Syndrome Links?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

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  18. IAPMD Podcasts [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
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  20. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  2. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 06 September 2024
  3. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  4. Premenstrual Syndrome: Summary – What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: 11 January 2024. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html Accessed: 06 September 2024
  5. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 06 September 2024
  6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Emotional Symptoms. Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Emotional Symptoms. Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  8. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 06 September 2024
  9. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  10. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 06 September 2024
  11. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Causes PMS? Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  12. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  13. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Last Updated: 12 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd Accessed: 06 September 2024
  14. Learn: PMDD. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 06 September 2024
  15. Learn: PMDD. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 06 September 2024
  16. Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/pms-and-pmdd Accessed: 06 September 2024
  17. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 06 September 2024
  18. Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker Accessed: 06 September 2024
  19. Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  20. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What To Expect. Last Updated: 28 February 2023. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/premenstrual-syndrome-pms Accessed: 06 September 2024
  21. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? Emotional Symptoms. Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  22. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 06 September 2024
  23. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 15 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 25 March 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
  24. Premenstrual Syndrome: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 12 October 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24288-pms-premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 06 September 2024
  25. (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome: Treating PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 18 June 2024. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 06 September 2024
Topic Last Updated: 06 September 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 September 2024

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