Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms that occur in a regular cycle beginning one to two weeks before the onset of menstrual flow. Symptoms, which often improve when menstrual bleeding starts, can be extremely distressing and may include:

Irritability
Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep problems
Appetite changes (sugar and/or salt cravings; overeating)
Weight gain
Fatigue
Bloating
Headache
Breast swelling and tenderness
Palpitations
Dizziness
Gastrointestinal upset
Diffuse muscle pain

Although the symptoms of PMS may vary, the most common complaints are: irritability, backache, muscle pain, and bloating.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), five or more of the following symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of PMDD:

Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, and joint pain
Severe depression, possibly with suicidal thoughts
Anxiety, tension, or panic attacks
Severe irritability and anger
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Teariness
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling out of control
Lack of interest in relationships, activities
Food cravings or binges

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 4th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2000.

National Women’s Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.4woman.gov/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.

Last reviewed February 2009 by ]]> Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE ]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.