Premenstrual Syndrome Summary Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start one to two weeks before your period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. For some women, the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with their lives. They have a type of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Common PMS symptoms include Breast swelling and tenderness Acne Bloating and weight gain Pain – headache or joint pain Food cravings Irritability, mood swings, crying spells, depression No one knows what causes PMS, but hormonal changes trigger the symptoms. No single PMS treatment works for everyone. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen may help ease cramps, headaches, backaches and breast tenderness. Exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding salt, caffeine, and alcohol can also help. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health Treatments and Therapies Black Cohosh National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Chasteberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Evening Primrose Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Array Breast – premenstrual tenderness and swelling Premenstrual dysphoric disorder Premenstrual syndrome Premenstrual syndrome – self-care Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Premenstrual Syndrome National Institutes of Health Teenagers Coping with Common Period Problems Nemours Foundation Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Related Issues Mittelschmerz Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Water Retention: Relieve This Premenstrual Symptom Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Reference Desk Normal Female Reproductive Anatomy National Cancer Institute Specifics Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) American Academy of Family Physicians Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Different from PMS? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Start Here Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Journal Articles Premenstrual Syndrome Find an Expert womenshealth.gov Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
