In this Article

• What is premenstrual syndrome?
• How common is PMS?
• When was PMS discovered?
• What causes PMS?
• What are the symptoms of PMS?
• How is the diagnosis of PMS made?
• What conditions are like PMS?
• How is PMS distinguished from other conditions?
• What treatments are available for PMS?
• What medications are used to treat PMS?
• Can exercise help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS?
• Is there a "cure" for PMS?
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Effective Treatments
• Premenstrual Syndrome Glossary
• Premenstrual Syndrome Index

What are the symptoms of PMS?

A great variety of symptoms have been attributed to PMS. Women can have PMS of varying duration and severity from cycle to cycle. The most frequent mood-related symptoms of PMS include:

• anger and irritability,
  
  
• anxiety,
  
  
• tension,
  
  
• depression,
  
  
• crying,
  
  
• oversensitivity, and
  
  
• exaggerated mood swings.

The most frequent physical signs and symptoms of PMS include:

• fatigue,
  
  
• bloating (due to fluid retention),
  
  
• weight gain,
  
  
• breast tenderness,
  
  
• acne,
  
  
• sleep disturbances with sleeping too much or too little (insomnia), and
  
  
• appetite changes with overeating or food cravings.

How is the diagnosis of PMS made?

The most helpful diagnostic tool is the menstrual diary, which documents physical and emotional symptoms over months. If the changes occur consistently around ovulation (midcycle, or days 7-10 into the menstrual cycle) and persist until the menstrual flow begins, then PMS is probably the accurate diagnosis. Keeping a menstrual diary not only helps the healthcare provider to make the diagnosis, but it also promotes a better understanding by the patient of her own body and moods. Once the diagnosis of PMS is made and understood, the patient can better cope with the symptoms.

The diagnosis of PMS can be difficult because many medical and psychological conditions can mimic or worsen symptoms of PMS. There are no laboratory tests to determine if a woman has PMS. When laboratory tests are performed, they are used to exclude other conditions that can mimic PMS.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 6 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• citalopram, Celexa - Information about citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.
• Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression.
• ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.

Read more Premenstrual Syndrome related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Health Tip: Always Hungry?
• Stopping Antidepressants Boosts Risk of PMS Relapse
• Hunger Control: Women the Weaker Sex?