Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a collection of symptoms that many women get before their periods.

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms can differ from person to person.

The symptoms can be mild to moderate, not affecting daily life or they can also be severe, hampering daily activities and overall well-being. 

The symptoms often disappear within a few days after the period starts.

According to Cleveland Clinic, having one or two premenstrual symptoms is common.  Clinically significant PMS affects only 3% to 8% of menstruating women.

Continue reading the article to know more about PMS symptoms (Premenstrual Symptoms).

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that can appear between a few days to two weeks before a woman’s monthly period.

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps

Physical symptoms like bloating and cramps are some of the most common symptoms of PMS.

Some others include:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Acne flare-ups
  • Breast tenderness
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in the back and the muscles
  • Changes in sleep patterns

Emotional Symptoms

Emotional symptoms during PMS can affect the person’s emotions, mood, and behavior.

Some of them include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Changes in your sex drive
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in appetite (Cravings)
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Unusual anger or irritability
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Diminished interest in activities
  • Insecurity
  • Feeling tearful or crying
Warning
If there are severe PMS symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. 
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS, could be the cause.

Premenstrual Syndrome vs. Pregnancy Symptoms

It is easy to get confused between Premenstrual Syndrome and pregnancy symptoms as they are often similar.

Usually, once menstruation starts, the PMS symptoms go away. 

However, it may be a sign of pregnancy if the mood changes or nausea continue long, and the person misses their period.

If there are PMS symptoms, but no period, it might be due to pregnancy.

Tip:
Keeping a menstrual diary can help you identify the causes of your premenstrual symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.

Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome

The exact cause of PMS is not known.

But the hormonal fluctuations during a menstrual cycle are essential in triggering the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.

Estrogen and Progesterone levels drop during the week before a period which might lead to PMS.

Chemicals in the brain, like Serotonin, fluctuate during the monthly cycle, which can result in mood changes during PMS.

How to Reduce the Symptoms of PMS

Treatments for PMS are mainly intended to decrease the symptoms of PMS so that the person can function correctly.

Lifestyle Changes

Eating healthy food
Eating healthy food

If the symptoms are mild to moderate, changes in lifestyle can often help. 

Some of them include:

  • Getting ample amount of sleep
  • Reducing stress with relaxation techniques like meditation
  • Consuming healthy food
  • Exercising
  • Taking supplements like Folic acid and vitamins 

Medications

If the PMS symptoms are severe and start interfering with daily life. In that case, it is essential to seek medical attention. 

Some of the commonly prescribed medications for Premenstrual include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Diuretics
  • Hormonal contraceptives

Surgery

Some women with severe PMS may require a Hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries to prevent ovulation.

This is a drastic treatment that will only be used in extreme cases after all other treatments have failed.

Takeaway

PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, is a combination of Physical and Emotional symptoms that some women get before their periods.

Physical symptoms include abdominal bloating, fatigue, and cramps, among others.

Emotional symptoms include Anxiety, Depression, Changes in your sex drive, changes in appetite, etc.

Since the symptoms between PMS and pregnancy are similar, it can often get confusing.

The treatment of PMS is based on the severity of the symptoms.

If you experience any symptoms of PMS, consult a doctor for better diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do PMS symptoms start?

PMS symptoms can start anywhere between two weeks to two days before periods. There is no exact timing for the PMS symptoms.

How do I know I’m PMSing?

You can know you are PMS’ing if you are going through physical symptoms (Abdominal bloating, Fatigue, Cramps, Headaches) and emotional symptoms like ( Anxiety, Depression), two weeks to two days before the period.

When do PMS symptoms start?

The timing for the PMS symptoms to start is sometimes different. It can vary from woman to woman. You may notice PMS symptoms from two weeks to a few days before your period.

Is nausea a PMS symptom?

Yes, nausea is a symptom of PMS. But it is not a common symptom and might happen due to some digestive problems due to PMS.

How to reduce PMS symptoms?

PMS symptoms can be reduced with lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, etc. But in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe – antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Diuretics, and Hormonal contraceptives.

Citations:
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