Women with PMS have physical and emotional symptoms that happen 1 to 2 weeks before a menstrual period. They may be:
- Physical symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Headache
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Muscle or back pain
- Weight gain
- Emotional symptoms:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Problems with focus
- Sleep problems
- Changes in sex drive
- Feelings of hopelessness or loss of control
- Tension
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in people and activities
- Appetite changes, such as overeating or food cravings
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is when a woman has very severe symptoms that cause problems with function.
References
Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/premenstrual-syndrome . Updated August 22, 2019. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome-pms.html. Updated July 25, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html. Updated March 16, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 09/2019
- Update Date: 01/22/2021