Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Overview
   
• Symptoms
   
• Diagnosis & Treatment
• Prevention
   
• Further information

Symptoms

More than 100 symptoms have been recognised in association with PMS.¹

Physical

The most common include:

• Breast pain
• Bloating
• Lower back and stomach pain.¹

Some women also suffer migraines.⁴ They can start a couple of days before your period or during your period, often masking their association with the menstrual cycle.⁴

They are triggered by a sudden fall in oestrogen levels at the end of a woman's cycle before bleeding and can last for up to five days. ⁴

Migraine is more common in women in their 40s as they enter the menopause because hormone levels fluctuate much more. ⁴

Psychological

The most common are depression, aggression and mood swings.¹

Depression can be very debilitating, as well as being difficult for loved ones to deal with.¹

Symptoms include:¹

• Negative thoughts about yourself
• Being over-sensitive
• Loss of energy
• Poor concentration
• Difficulty in sleeping or wanting to sleep more
• Irrational thoughts

Behavioural

Some of the most common include:¹

• Irritability
• Anger
• Panic attacks
• Alcohol abuse
• Craving sweet foods
• Binge eating