What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?

For some women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be so severe it can interfere with normal activities. Find out what you can do to lessen symptoms.

*Health information sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. co-pay.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

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.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe type of PMS. With PMDD, the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your life. PMDD much less common than PMS.

What causes premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Researchers don't 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.

What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

PMS symptoms are different for everyone. You may get physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, or both. Your symptoms may also change throughout your life.

Physical symptoms may include:

Breast swelling and tenderness
Acne
Bloating and weight gain
Headache
Joint pain
Backache
Constipation or diarrhea
Food cravings

Emotional symptoms may include:

Irritability
Mood swings
Crying spells
Depression
Anxiety
Sleeping too much or too little
Trouble with concentration and memory
Less interest in sex

How is premenstrual syndrome (PMS) diagnosed?

You may wish to see your health care provider if your symptoms bother you or affect your daily life.

There is no single test for PMS. Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, including when they happen and how much they affect your life. To be diagnosed with PMS, your symptoms must:

Happen in the five days before your period for at least three menstrual cycles in a row
End within four days after your period starts
Keep you from enjoying or doing some of your normal activities

Your provider may wish to do tests to rule out other conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

What are the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

No single PMS treatment works for everyone. If your symptoms are not severe, you may be able to manage them with:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, to help ease cramps, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness
Getting regular exercise
Getting enough sleep
Eating healthy foods
Avoiding salt, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in the two weeks before your period

Some studies have shown that certain vitamins may help with some symptoms of PMS. They include calcium and vitamin B6.

Some women take certain herbal supplements for PMS symptoms. But there is not enough evidence to prove that supplements are effective for PMS. Check with your provider before taking any vitamins or supplements.

If you are not able to manage your PMS symptoms, your provider may suggest prescription medicines. These medicines may also be used to treat PMDD. They include:

Hormonal birth control, which may help with the physical symptoms of PMS. But sometimes they may make the emotional symptoms worse. You may need to try several different types of birth control before you find the right one.
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may help with emotional symptoms.
Diuretics ("water pills") to reduce symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness.
Anti-anxiety medicine to ease symptoms of anxiety.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?