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What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the physical and emotional symptoms some people experience one or 2 weeks before their.

PMS symptoms usually ease when your period starts

Many people have one or 2 premenstrual symptoms

Most of the time these can be easily managed.

If you have severe emotional and mood-related symptoms before your period, it may be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD affects about 3% to 8% of people.

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor

Everyone experiences PMS differently.

And symptoms can change each menstrual cycle

Common physical symptoms include:

  • You may also experience and tiredness. Symptoms can also be emotional for example
  • trouble with concentration
  • memory. PMS symptoms can be worse in teenage years
  • in the lead-up to menopause
  • which may be due to changes in hormone levels

What causes PMS? It’s not clear why some people have PMS, but it may be associated with how certain chemicals in the brain interact with the hormone progesterone. Other factors can influence PMS.

For example: lifestyle.

There are many things you can do to manage PMS.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce PMS symptoms

You can stay healthy by: and rest.

Your doctor may recommend different medicines

For example: antidepressants or anti-inflammatories to help with some symptoms. Natural therapies are part of a broad range of complementary and alternative medicines and therapies (CAM).

and herbs to help manage PMS symptoms

But more research is needed to understand how effective these therapies are. Supplements commonly used to manage PMS include:

  • evening primrose oil. Make sure you get advice from a qualified
  • experienced health practitioner before using complementary therapies

Always tell your if you are taking any complementary medicines, as they can affect other medicines.

See your doctor if: symptoms stop you from doing things you normally do

Period Symptoms of PMS cramping in the pelvic area breast tenderness or swelling abdominal bloating fluid retention acne aches and pains headaches constipation , diarrhoea , or both poor sleep irritability anxiety lower ability to cope mood changes sadness physical and emotional mental health stress levels Managing PMS Healthy lifestyle doing about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days eating a balanced diet including fruit and vegetables , wholegrains , lean protein , and dairy drinking lots of water and reduce sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks doing things you enjoy trying relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation getting enough sleep Medicine and hormone treatments hormonal treatments to stop ovulation Natural therapies Many people use complementary therapies such as acupuncture , naturopathy calcium vitamin B6 chaste tree (also called ‘chaste berry’) magnesium GP (doctor) When to see your doctor PMS symptoms are bothering you symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes you have severe emotional and mood related symptoms medicine or hormonal treatments don’t improve your symptoms More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help GP (doctor) A local women’s health clinic Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) .

Key Points

  • PMS symptoms usually ease when your period starts Many people have one or 2 premenstrual symptoms Discuss your symptoms with your doctor
  • And symptoms can change each menstrual cycle
  • Common physical symptoms include: You may also experience: and tiredness