Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

“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”.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

Medline Plus’s definition is:

“PMS refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that most often occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. In most cases, the symptoms stop when, or shortly after, her period begins”.5

PMS Symptoms

What are the most common symptoms of PMS?

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 elaborate on:

“Symptoms of PMS vary in intensity from woman to woman and can vary from one cycle to the next. The most common symptoms include:

Emotional Symptoms:

  • 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

Physical Symptoms:

  • 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”.7

In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health elaborate on:

“Psychological Symptoms:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Sense of feeling overwhelmed
  • Sensitivity to rejection
  • Social withdrawal

Physical Symptoms:

  • 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

Behavioural Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Forgetfulness
  • Poor concentration”.8

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”.9

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”.10

Depression or Not

How is depression different to PMS and PMDD?

The JH explain:

“PMS and PMDD have similar symptoms to depression. However, with PMS and PMDD, the symptoms get better completely as soon as menstruation begins, while those of depression do not.

PMS and PMDD need to be distinguished from underlying depression because the treatments are different”.11

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:

“Mood disorders, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, can worsen during the premenstrual period and thus may mimic PMDD. When this occurs, the term premenstrual exacerbation or PME is used to refer to the mood worsening which occurs during the premenstrual phase. An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a PME of an underlying mood disorder”.12

In What Is PME? the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders elaborate on:

“PME, or premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying disorder, occurs when an woman/AFAB has a chronic diagnosis (e.g., depression, anxiety, arthritis) that is made worse prior to and potentially during their period. The symptoms follow a similar trajectory to PMDD, but they never resolve completely”.13

What is AFAB?

AFAB may be an abbreviation for Assigned Female At Birth.

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and PMS?

The JH note:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
“Women can feel depressed and/or experience changes in their mood around perimenopause (the months/years before menopause) when their hormone levels fluctuate. Menopause does not cause depression, but women who have had depression before menopause, or who have a history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), may be more sensitive to the hormonal changes that menopause brings”.14

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”.15

Cause

What causes PMS?

The Womenshealth.gov note:

“Researchers do not know exactly what causes PMS. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a role. These changing hormone levels may affect some women more than others”.16

Look for A PatternPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

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”.17

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”.18

The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health also note:

“Keeping a monthly mood chart can be informative and even therapeutic for many women. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, many women feel better if they can identify the relationship between their cycles and mood changes and can thus anticipate times at which they may be at risk for mood worsening”.19

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): How Is PMS Diagnosed? the Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Keep track of which PMS symptoms you have and how severe they are for a few months. Write down your symptoms each day on a calendar or with an app on your phone. Take this information with you when you see your doctor”.20

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”.21

DiaryPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Where may I find a diary to record any symptoms I have?

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.Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Diary

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 Mayo Clinic explain:

“If you haven’t been able to manage your premenstrual syndrome with lifestyle changes and the symptoms of PMS are affecting your health and daily activities, see your doctor”.22

The JH note:

  • “If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, see your doctor or seek referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in PMS”.23

The NHS also note:

“As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:

  • Hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking 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”.24

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 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.

  1. 9 Things To Know About Your Hormones
  2. About PMS
  3. Allopregnanolone Sparks Interest In New PMDD Treatment
  4. Can CBD Help Manage PMDD/PME?
  5. Chasteberry for PMS and PMDD
  6. Clearing the Fog
  7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  8. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know Depression In Women
  9. Don’t Let PMS Cramp Their Style – Medical Observer
  10. Healthy Living
  11. How Do We Know If We Have PME or PMDD? How Do We Differentiate?
  12. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
  13. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: Provider Directory
  14. In Brief: What’s the Connection Between Alcohol and Premenstrual Syndrome?
  15. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  16. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
  17. Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Women with PMDD
  18. Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
  19. Life With PMDD [Web Series]
  20. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean?
  21. Menstrual Cycle
  22. Menstrual Diary
  23. Menstruation
  24. Mittelschmerz
  25. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
  26. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry [Vitex]
  27. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Evening Primrose Oil
  28. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  29. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  30. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  31. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Women’s Health and Complementary Approaches
  32. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  33. PMDD Linked To Gene Network
  34. PMDD and the Workplace
  35. PMDD/PMS
  36. PMDD/PMS: Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
  37. PMDD/PMS: Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD
  38. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  39. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  40. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
  41. PMS Symptom Tracker [Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)]
  42. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
  43. Periods
  44. Periods – Fact Sheet
  45. Periods: Period Problems – Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  46. Pms.org.uk [National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome, United Kingdom]
  47. Preliminary Data Supporting the Use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Premenstrual Symptoms
  48. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  49. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  50. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Ask Dr Jean
  51. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Different From PMS?
  52. Premenstrual Syndrome
  53. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  54. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  55. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  56. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Diagnosis & Treatment
  57. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms
  58. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Medicines Can Treat PMS Symptoms?
  59. Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  60. Reducing Stress
  61. Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
  62. Safety of Natural Therapies
  63. Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
  64. Steps To Diagnosis
  65. Stress Management and Emotional Health
  66. Stress and Your Health
  67. Surgery & Surgical Menopause for Premenstrual Disorders
  68. Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms
  69. Transgender & PMDD
  70. Treating Premenstrual Disorders
  71. Treatment Options
  72. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  73. Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes During Perimenopause
  74. Video Series-2019 – What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
  75. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
  76. Vitamins & Supplements
  77. What Is PMDD?
  78. What Is PME?
  79. What Is the Relationship Between Hormones and Mental Health?
  80. What You Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
  81. Women & Depression
  82. Women and Stress
  83. Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital]
  84. Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital]: Menopausal Symptoms
  85. Women’s Health: In-Depth – Water Retention: Relieve This Premenstrual Symptom

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Medical Review In 2017. Page Last Updated: 16 March 2018. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 21 July 2020
  2. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Mood Changes. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  3. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  4. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Last Updated: 30 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  5. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Review Date: 25 September 2018. Page Last Updated: 02 July 2020. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007193.htm Accessed: 21 July 2020
  6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 07 February 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Last Updated: 30 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  8. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  9. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  10. PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  11. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): How Are PMS & PMDD Different From Depression? Last Updated: 30 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  12. PMDD/PMS: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Illnesses. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  13. What Is PME? Updated: 16 November 2019. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders http://faq.iapmd.org/en/articles/2608707-what-is-pme Accessed: 21 July 2020
  14. Symptoms of Menopause: Menopause & Mood. Last Updated: 04 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 21 July 2020
  15. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Medical Review In 2017. Page Last Updated: 16 March 2018. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 21 July 2020
  16. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Causes PMS? Medical Review In 2017. Page Last Updated: 16 March 2018. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 21 July 2020
  17. Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  18. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 30 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  19. PMDD/PMS: Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for PMS and PMDD – Monthly Mood Charting. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/?doing_wp_cron=1487262997.9087479114532470703125 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  20. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): How Is PMS Diagnosed? Medical Review In 2017. Page Last Updated: 16 March 2018. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 21 July 2020
  21. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 07 February 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  22. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 07 February 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 21 July 2020
  23. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms – Things To Keep In Mind. Last Updated: 30 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 July 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/ Accessed: 21 July 2020
  24. (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome: Treating PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 20 April 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 21 July 2020

Topic Last Updated: 01 September 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 21 July 2020
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