“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 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: PMDD the IAPM’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”.18
What is AFAB?
AFAB may be an abbreviation for Assigned Female At Birth.
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
The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health 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:
“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”.25
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 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”.27
The JH note:
- “If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, see your doctor or seek referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in PMS”.28
In PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Treating PMS the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) 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 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.- 9 Things To Know About Your Hormones
- A Novel Treatment for PMDD: Ulipristal Acetate, A Progesterone Receptor Modulator
- About PMS
- Allopregnanolone Sparks Interest In New PMDD Treatment
- Breast Pain
- Can CBD Help Manage PMDD/PME?
- Chasteberry for PMS and PMDD
- Chemical Menopause (GnRHa Treatment)
- Clearing the Fog
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Don’t Let PMS Cramp Their Style – Medical Observer
- Essential Reads: Ovarian Suppression for the Treatment of Severe PMDD
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary
- Healthy Living
- How Do We Know If We Have PME or PMDD? How Do We Differentiate?
- IAPMD Podcasts [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
- Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
- Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: Provider Directory
- Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: What Is Your Question?
- In Brief: What’s the Connection Between Alcohol and Premenstrual Syndrome?
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Women With PMDD
- Learn [+ Podcasts]
- Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean?
- Menstrual Cycle
- Menstrual Diary
- Menstruation
- Mittelschmerz
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
- 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?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- PMD Awareness Month 2022: Connect The Dots [April]
- PMDD & the Workplace
- 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
- Perimenopause – Fact Sheet
- Period Pain & Symptom Diary
- Periods
- Periods – Fact Sheet
- Periods: Period Problems – Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Pms.org.uk [National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes, United Kingdom]
- Preliminary Data Supporting the Use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Premenstrual Symptoms
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Ask Dr Jean
- 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): Diagnosis & Treatment
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Management & Treatment of PMS Symptoms
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What Medicines Can Treat PMS Symptoms?
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Premenstrual Syndrome – Self Care
- Reducing Stress
- Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
- Research Explained: Is There More Than One Type of PMDD?
- Safety of Natural Therapies
- Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
- Steps To Diagnosis
- Surgery & Surgical Menopause for Premenstrual Disorders
- The Menopause: Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
- Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms
- Transgender & PMDD
- Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Treatment Options
- Tricky Periods: What’s ‘Normal’ and What’s Not
- Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Video Series-2019: Mood Changes During Perimenopause
- Video Series-2019: What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
- Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Vitamins & Supplements
- What Is PMDD? [+ Podcast] What Is PMDD? A Bitesize Overview
- What Is PME?
- What Is the Relationship Between Hormones and Mental Health?
- Women & Depression
- Women and Stress
- Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital]
- Womensmentalhealth.org [MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital]: Menopausal Symptoms
- 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
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Review Date: 03 December 2020. Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007193.htm Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- Learn: PMDD. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- Learn: PME. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/pam-learn Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Diagnosis and Prevention: 23 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/pms-and-pmdd Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 25 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Tracking Your Cycle & Symptom. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Menstrual Diary. National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/support/menstrual-diary/ Accessed: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- Symptoms of Menopause: Menopause & Mood. Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome Accessed: 09 May 2022
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 07 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 Accessed: 09 May 2022
- 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: 09 May 2022
- (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome: Treating PMS. Page Last Reviewed: 09 June 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/ Accessed: 09 May 2022