Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

“Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS,
is a group of physical and emotional symptoms
that start one to two weeks before your period”.1

Umbrella

What may the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 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:

“PMS refers to the symptoms you might feel in the week or 2 before your period starts”.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): Symptoms of PMS the JH also note:

“PMS symptoms can be emotional, physical or both – everyone is different. Symptoms can also vary from one cycle to the next, but they generally follow a pattern over time”.6

PMS Emotional Symptoms

What are PMS emotional symptoms?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms of PMS – Emotional Symptoms the JH elaborate on:

“Common emotional symptoms include:

  • Feeling grumpy (irritability)
  • Feeling worried or anxious (anxiety)
  • Lower ability to cope
  • Loss of confidence
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
  • Mood changes
  • Sadness or depressed mood”.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): 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

Other physical symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Constipation, diarrhoea or both
  • Nausea
  • Food cravings or changes in appetite
  • Aching muscles or joints”.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 yet known exactly why PMS happens. But it may be due to hormone changes in the body before a period.

Some women may be more sensitive to these changes than others.

Some research suggests PMS may be linked to overlapping factors, including:

  • Brain sensitivity to hormone changes during the menstrual cycle
  • Genetic factors
  • Stress
  • Inflammation”.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): What Is PMDD? the JH also note:

“PMDD causes severe emotional and psychological distress in the lead-up to your periods. This condition can negatively impact your work, relationships and quality of life”.13

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

DotS the definition of PMDD may vary. In What Is PMDD? the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) definition is:

“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder.

PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain that is directly connected to the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle and is triggered when ovulation occurs”.14

Premenstrual Exacerbation

What is premenstrual exacerbation (PME)?

DotS the definition of PME may vary. In What Is PME? the IAPMD’s definition is:

“PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation) refers to the premenstrual exacerbation of the preexisting symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, in the luteal phase, or the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle”.15

PMDD Cause

What causes PMDD?

In What Is PMDD? PMDD Causes the IAPMD note:

“While the underlying biological causes of PMDD are still under investigation, current research suggests it may result from a combination of several contributing factors”.16

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”.17

Look for A Pattern

How may I Look for A Pattern with PMS?

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”.18

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”.19

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and PMS?

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:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)“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”.20 

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 important to see your doctor if your periods or PMS impacts your normal activities, like school or work, relationships and quality of life”.21

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

“Contact a healthcare 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.

Be prepared to share:

  • Your symptoms (including how severe they are) and when they occur
  • When your last two periods began and ended

You can use a pen and paper, a calendar or an app on your phone to track this information. This helps you and your provider recommend the best path forward”.22

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”.23

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 (PMS)?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Links?

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Links

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Premenstrual Syndrome: Summary – What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: 11 January 2024. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html Accessed: 01 April 2026
  2. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2025. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2026
  3. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  4. Premenstrual Syndrome: Summary – What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? Last Updated: 11 January 2024. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html Accessed: 01 April 2026
  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: 01 April 2026
  6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms of PMS – Emotional Symptoms. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms of PMS – Emotional Symptoms. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  8. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2025. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2026
  9. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms of PMS – Physical Symptoms. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  10. FAQs: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are Some Common Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: May 2021. Last Reviewed: November 2025. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Premenstrual-Syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2026
  11. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Causes PMS? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  12. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Is PMS? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  13. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): What Is PMDD? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd Accessed: 01 April 2026
  14. What Is PMDD? International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://www.iapmd.org/pmdd Accessed: 01 April 2026
  15. What Is PME? International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://www.iapmd.org/pme Accessed: 01 April 2026
  16. What Is PMDD? PMDD Causes. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://www.iapmd.org/pmdd Accessed: 01 April 2026
  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: 01 April 2026
  18. Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  19. 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: 01 April 2026
  20. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Page Last Updated: 26 September 2025. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2026
  21. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): When To See Your Doctor. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
  22. Premenstrual Syndrome: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 20 January 2025. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24288-pms-premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 01 April 2026
  23. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Treatments for PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 18 June 2024. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 01 April 2026
Topic Last Updated: 30 April 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2026

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