Premenstrual syndrome - meaning and definition
AlsoPMSpremenstrual tensionPMTpremenstrual symptomsPMSing
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, irritability or low mood, that appear in the days before a period and ease once it starts.
At a glance
- PMS is a set of physical and emotional symptoms in the days before a period.
- Symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, irritability or low mood ease once the period starts.
- It is linked to how the brain and body respond to normal hormonal changes.
- A symptom diary over a few cycles helps show the pattern.
- Severe emotional symptoms may indicate PMDD, which deserves medical attention.
In detail
Many people who menstruate notice some premenstrual changes; PMS describes symptoms noticeable enough to affect daily life. The exact cause is not fully understood but is linked to how the brain and body respond to the normal rise and fall of hormones in the cycle.
Keeping a symptom diary over a few cycles helps show the pattern. Regular exercise, sleep, and some medications, including certain hormonal contraceptives and antidepressants, can help. Severe emotional symptoms may indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which deserves medical attention.
In a sentence
- She noticed her PMS was easier to manage when she slept well and exercised regularly.
- The doctor asked me to keep a diary of my PMS symptoms for a few months.
Where the word comes from
Doctors described premenstrual tension in the early 1930s. The name premenstrual syndrome was introduced in the 1950s and is now usually shortened to PMS.
Not to be confused with
- PMDD
PMDD is a much more severe condition in which mood symptoms seriously disrupt life.
Common questions
What helps with PMS?
Regular exercise and sleep help many people, and some medications, including certain hormonal contraceptives and antidepressants, can be useful. Keeping a symptom diary helps a doctor see the pattern and suggest options that fit you.
What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?
PMS covers premenstrual symptoms noticeable enough to affect daily life. PMDD is a severe form in which depression, anxiety, anger or mood swings seriously disrupt life. If premenstrual mood changes feel overwhelming, talk to a doctor.