PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
PMS is the symptoms that a woman experience in the weeks before her period. Most women will PMS at some point, and there are helps if it affects their daily life.
PMS symptoms
Each woman’s symptoms may vary and differ from month to month. The common symptoms are:
PMS causes
There is no fully understood reason women get PMS, but it might be due to hormonal level changes during the menstrual cycle. Some women experience more severe symptoms of these changes than others.
Things that can help
- Exercise regularly
- Follow a balanced, healthy diet (you might also find consuming frequent small meals (for every 2–3 hours) suits better than eating three regular meals per day)
- Sleep well (recommended hours of sleep is 7–8)
- Reduce stress by meditating and yoga
- Try painkillers like paracetamol to ease pain
- Keep a diary of your symptoms for 2–3 periods so that you can take them to a doctor’s appointment
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid alcohol abuse
Consult a doctor when your lifestyle changes are not helping and symptoms affect your daily life.
PMS treatments
A doctor recommends treatments including:
- Hormonal medications like the combined contraceptive pill
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Antidepressants
- Dietary supplements
After these treatments aren’t effective, the doctor will refer you to a specialist, mostly a gynecologist, counselor, or psychiatrist.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
A few women might experience more severe symptoms of PMS, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is intense and has a more significant negative impact on daily life. Some include:
- Headaches, cramps, muscle and joint pain (physical symptoms)
- Trouble sleeping and binge eating (behavioral symptoms)
- Anxiousness and depression (mental and emotional symptoms)
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022