Premenstrual syndrome

Definition

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms start during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 or more days after the first day of your last menstrual period). These usually go away 1 to 2 days after the menstrual period starts.

Alternative Names

PMS; Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; PMDD

Causes

The exact cause of PMS is not known. Changes in brain hormone levels may play a role. However, this has not been proven. Women with PMS may also respond differently to these hormones.

PMS may be related to social, cultural, biological, and psychological factors.

Most women experience PMS symptoms during their childbearing years. PMS occurs more often in women:

The symptoms often get worse in late 30s and 40s as menopause approaches.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

Other symptoms include:

Exams and Tests

There are no specific signs or lab tests that can detect PMS. To rule out other possible causes of symptoms, it is important to have a:

A symptom calendar carried out over several months can help women identify the most troublesome symptoms. This also helps in confirming the diagnosis of PMS.

Treatment

Keep a daily diary or log for at least 3 months. Record the:

This record will help you and your health care provider find the best treatment.

A healthy lifestyle is the first step to managing PMS. For many women, lifestyle approaches are often enough to control symptoms. To manage PMS:

Symptoms such as headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness may be treated with:

Birth control pills may decrease or increase PMS symptoms.

In severe cases, some medicines used to treat depression may be helpful. Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often tried first. These have been shown to be very helpful. You may also want to seek the advice of a counselor or therapist.

Other medicines that you may use include:

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most women who are treated for PMS symptoms get good relief.

PMS symptoms may become severe enough to prevent you from functioning normally.

The suicide rate in women with depression is much higher during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Mood disorders need to be diagnosed and treated.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact or make an appointment with your provider if:

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

References

Katzinger J, Hudson T. Premenstrual syndrome. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 212.

Mendiratta V, Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.

Sassarini J, McAllister K. Heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. In: Magowan B, ed. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 7.


Review Date: 4/16/2024
Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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