“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of
physical and emotional symptoms many women
experience in the lead-up to a period”.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 Changes
What are premenstrual changes?
DotS the definition of premenstrual changes may vary. The (United States Massachusetts General Hospital) MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health explain:
“Many women in their reproductive years experience transient physical and emotional changes around the time of their period. In fact, at least 90% of women with regular menstrual cycles report unpleasant physical or psychological symptoms premenstrually. For the majority of women, these symptoms are mild and tolerable. However, for a certain group of women, these symptoms can be disabling and may cause significant disruption in their lives”.2
Premenstrual Syndrome
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
DotS the definition of PMS may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:
“Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is a broad term that typically refers to a general pattern of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring 1-2 weeks before and remitting with the onset of menses”.3
The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:
“Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms many women experience in the lead-up to a period”.4
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”.5
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”.6
In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH also note:
PMS Psychological Symptoms
What are PMS psychological/emotional symptoms?
In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH elaborate on:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Nervous tension
- Lower coping ability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Wanting to be alone
- Lower libido
- Reduced interest in work and social life
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Aggression
- Sadness”.8
In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Sense of feeling overwhelmed
- Sensitivity to rejection
- Social withdrawal”.9
PMS Physical Symptoms
What are PMS physical symptoms?
In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? the JH elaborate on:
- Fluid retention (swollen fingers or ankles)
- Bloating around the abdomen
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Skin problems such as acne
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Tiredness, lethargy, insomnia
- Increase in weight
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Food cravings
- Aches and pains”.10
In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:
- Abdominal bloating
- Appetite disturbance (usually increased)
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Muscle aches and/or joint pain
- Sleep disturbance (usually hypersomnia)
- Swelling of extremities”.11
PMS Behavioural Symptoms
What are PMS behavioural symptoms?
In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:
- “Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Poor concentration”.12
PMS Common or Not
How common is PMS?
The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health note:
“PMS is common, affecting from 30-80% of women of reproductive age, though clinically significant PMS symptoms have been reported in 3-8% of patients”.13
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
DotS the definition of PMDD may vary. The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:
“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome characterized by significant premenstrual mood disturbance, often with prominent mood reactivity and irritability. Symptoms of PMDD can emerge 1-2 weeks preceding menses and typically resolve with the onset of menses. This mood disturbance results in marked social or occupational impairment, with its most prominent effects in interpersonal functioning”.14
In Learn: PMDD the International Association For Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) definition is:
Depression or Not
How is depression different to PMS and PMDD?
The JH explain:
PMS and PMDD need to be distinguished from underlying depression because the treatments are different”.16
Premenstrual Exacerbation
What is premenstrual exacerbation (PME)?
DotS the definition of PME may vary. In PMDD/PMS: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Illnesses the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health explain:
In Learn: PME the IAPMD’s definition is:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) are difficult to distinguish from each other”.18
Cause
What causes PMS?
In Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention the (United States) Endocrine Society note:
Predictable Pattern
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”.20
Look for A Pattern
How may I Look for A Pattern with PMS?
In Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms the IAPMD explain:
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”.22
The JH note:
- “It can be useful to keep a detailed daily diary of at least two menstrual cycles to see if there is a pattern with your symptoms to help you and your doctor discuss the best treatment options for you”.23
In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What To Expect the (Scottish) NHS Inform also note:
Diary
Where may I find a diary to keep a record of any symptoms I have?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and PMS?
The JH note:

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:
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”.26
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:
- “If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, see your doctor or seek referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in PMS”.27
In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): 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”.28
In PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Treating PMS the (United Kingdom) NHS also note:
- Hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
- Cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy
- Antidepressants
- Dietary Supplements
If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.
This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor”.29
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:
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.New or Updated
- PMDD / PME – Understanding and Coping With Premenstrual Anger, Irritability, & Hypersensitivity
- Premenstrual Disorders, Timing of Menopause, and Severity of Vasomotor Symptoms [19 September 2023]
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) [+ Video]
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Understanding Premenstrual Disorders – PMDD and PME Explained [Video]
- About PMS
- Breast Pain
- Can CBD Help Manage PMDD/PME?
- Chemical Menopause (GnRHa Treatment)
- Clearing the Fog
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Essential Reads: Ovarian Suppression for the Treatment of Severe PMDD
- Feeling Irritable? Why You’re Irritated and What To Do About It
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary
- How Do We Know If We Have PME or PMDD? How Do We Differentiate?
- How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
- IAPMD Podcasts [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
- Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
- Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: What Is Your Question?
- In Brief: What’s the Connection Between Alcohol and Premenstrual Syndrome?
- Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Women With PMDD
- Learn [+ Podcasts]
- Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
- Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause and Mental Health
- Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Diary
- Menstruation
- Mittelschmerz
- Mood and the Menopause
- Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry [Vitex]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Evening Primrose Oil
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- PMD Awareness Month 2023
- PMDD & the Workplace
- PMDD / PME – Understanding and Coping With Premenstrual Anger, Irritability, & Hypersensitivity
- PMDD/PME Self Screen
- PMDD/PMS
- PMDD/PMS: Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
- PMDD/PMS: Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
- PMS, PMDD and You
- Patient & Partner Resources: Overview
- Patient & Partner Resources: PMDD Symptom Tracker and Instructions
- Patient & Partner Resources: Provider Directory
- Period Pain & Symptom Diary
- Periods
- Periods: Period Problems – Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Pms.org.uk [National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes, United Kingdom]
- Premenstrual Disorders & Menopause
- Premenstrual Disorders, Timing of Menopause, and Severity of Vasomotor Symptoms
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Different From PMS?
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) [+ Video]
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMDD Symptoms
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Premenstrual Syndrome – Self Care
- Push Back Against PMS
- Research Explained: Is There More Than One Type of PMDD?
- Sepranolone: A New Treatment for PMDD?
- Steps To Diagnosis
- Surgery & Surgical Menopause for Premenstrual Disorders
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
- Transgender & PMDD
- Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Treatment Options
- Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Understanding Premenstrual Disorders – PMDD and PME Explained [Video]
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
- Vitamins & Supplements
- What Is Chasteberry, and What Can It Do?
- What Is PMDD?
- What Is PME?
- Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood
- Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States]
- Women’s Health: In-Depth – Water Retention: Relieve This Premenstrual Symptom
- World Bipolar Day: PMDD V Bipolar
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Mood Changes. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome: Summary – What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Review Date: 10 February 2023. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- Learn: PMDD. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): How Are PMS & PMDD Different From Depression? Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- PMDD/PMS: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Illnesses. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/pms-and-pmdd/ Accessed: 14 March 2023
- Learn: PME. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 10 August 2023
- 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: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Tracking Your Cycle & Symptom. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- 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: 10 August 2023
- Symptoms of Menopause: Mood and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 10 August 2023
- 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: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 18 November 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 10 August 2023
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): 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: 10 August 2023
- (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome: Treating PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 09 June 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 10 August 2023