PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Symptoms & Signs

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of unpleasant symptoms linked to a woman's menstrual cycle, typically occurring one to two weeks before the menstrual period begins. PMS symptoms vary widely among women and range in severity from mild to debilitating. PMS typically includes physical and emotional symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms of PMS include

• abdominal pain,
• pelvic pain,
• mood changes,
• tiredness,
• anxiety,
• headache,
• backache,
• depression,
• bloating or abdominal fullness, and
• constipation or diarrhea.

Other symptoms often reported are

• joint pain,
• sleep disturbances,
• appetite changes,
• food cravings,
• tension,
• crying spells, and
• tenderness or pain in the breasts.

Sometimes women who suffer from PMS note that they have difficulty concentrating or problems with memory when symptoms are present.

Causes of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

The exact cause of PMS is unknown but may be related to interactions between sex hormones and brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).

Other pms (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Cramping
• Abdominal Fullness
• Abdominal Pain
• Acne
• Anxiety
• Appetite Changes
• Back Pain
• Bloating
• Breast Pain
• Breast Tenderness
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Fatigue
• Food Cravings
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Joint Pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Memory Problems
• Mood Changes
• Nausea
• Pelvic Pain
• Sleep Disturbances
• Vomiting
• Weight Gain

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What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? See Answer